Synthesis of recrystallized anatase TiO2 mesocrystals with Wulff shape assisted by oriented attachment

Author(s)

Da Silva, Rafael O. ^[1] ; Goncalves, Ricardo H. ^[1] ; Stroppa, Daniel G. ^{[2, 3]} ; Ramirez, Antonio J. ^[2] ; Leite, Edson R. ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Fed Sao Carlos, Dept Chem, BR-13560 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

^[2] Brazilian Synchrotron Light Lab, BR-13083970 Campinas, SP - Brazil

^[3] Univ Estadual Campinas, Sch Mech Engn, Dept Mat Engn, BR-13083860 Campinas, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: NANOSCALE; v. 3, n. 4, p. 1910-1916, 2011.
• Web of Science Citations: 51

Abstract

In this work, we describe a kinetically controlled crystallization process assisted by an oriented attachment (OA) mechanism based on a nonaqueous sol-gel synthetic method (specifically, the reaction of titanium(IV) chloride (TiCl(4)) with n-octanol) to prepare re-crystallized anatase TiO(2) mesocrystals (single crystal). The kinetics study revealed a multi-step and hierarchical process controlled by OA, and a high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) analysis clearly shows that the synthesized mesocrystal presents a truncated bipyramidal Wulff shape, indicating that its surface is dominated by [101] facets. This shape is developed during the recrystallization step. The material developed here displayed superior photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation compared to TiO(2)-P25 as a benchmarking. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 98/14324-0 - Multidisciplinary Center for Development of Ceramic Materials
• Grantee: Elson Longo da Silva
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers - RIDC