Microstructure and formation mechanism of titanium dioxide nanotubes

• Published in: Chemical physics letters Vol. 365; no. 5; pp. 427 - 431
• Main Authors: Wang, Y.Q., Hu, G.Q., Duan, X.F., Sun, H.L., Xue, Q.K.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 13-11-2002; Elsevier Science
• Subjects: Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Exact sciences and technology; Materials science; Nanoscale materials and structures: fabrication and characterization; Physics; Titanium oxides; Electron energy loss spectra; Transmission electron microscopy; Lamellar compound; Electron diffraction; Nanotubes; Experimental study; Microstructure; Formation mechanism; Nanostructured materials
• ISSN: 0009-2614; 1873-4448
• DOI: 10.1016/S0009-2614(02)01502-6

Titanium dioxide nanotubes are synthesized using sol–gel method. Electron energy-loss spectroscopy has been used to investigate the chemical composition of the nanotubes. The results show that the atomic ratio of O/Ti is very close to two. Electron diffraction studies indicate that the nanotubes have the anatase structure. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy studies show that the nanotubes possess a layered structure with layer spacing of about 7.1 Å. The tube axis is determined to be along [0
1
0] direction of the anatase phase. The formation mechanism of the nanotubes can be explained as 3D→2D→1D. The two-dimensional lamellar TiO
2 is essential for the formation of the nanotubes.