Hydrothermal synthesis and morphology control of rutile-type titanium oxide using water-soluble titanium complexes with additives

Abstract

Rod-like rutile nanoparticles were obtained by hydrothermal treatment of titanium-glycolate complex aqueous solution. The aspect ratio of the obtained particles increased with addition of glycolic acid or lactic acid. In the presence of additives, anatase tended to form in the temperature range favorable for single phase rutile formation when no additives are used. Later these anatase particles dissolve and titanium ions are incorporated in the growing rutile species. The carboxylic acids act to retard and promote development of the specific crystal facets and allow to control aspect ratio of the rutile nanoparticles.