Detachment Induced by Rayleigh-Instability in Metal Oxide Nanorods: Insights from TiO2

Author(s)

Dalmaschio, Cleocir Jose ^[1] ; Leite, Edson Roberto ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Fed Sao Carlos, Dept Chem, BR-13565905 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Crystal Growth & Design; v. 12, n. 7, p. 3668-3674, JUL 2012.
• Web of Science Citations: 10

Abstract

The comprehension of the physical-chemistry processes related to the nanocrystals growth mechanism is fundamental in controlling the shape and assembly of inorganic nanoparticles. In this paper, we describe TiO2 nanocrystal synthesis by a colloidal process where the final shape and size of the nanocrystal is influenced by a phenomenon similar to the Rayleigh-instability of freestanding TiO2 nanorods in solution. In this process, a larger structure (the nanorod) is divided into smaller units (nanocrystals), by a kind of detachment process. A detailed high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) characterization facilitates the identification of a morphological feature, which characterizes a surface diffusion process. Through a classical thermodynamic analysis, energetic and geometrics parameters, which lead to fragmentations of TiO2 nanorods, were established. (AU)

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