Sol-Gel Synthesis of TiO2 Nanosheets

Philip Whong

Rutgers University

Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering

Research Abstract: Sol-Gel Synthesis of TiO_­2 ­Nanosheets

In the last decades, the research progress on the design and development of TiO₂ based materials has been instrumental, especially due to the r reinforced interest in semiconductor materials for photovoltaics, photocatalysis, and electrochemistry. More specifically, crystalline rutile or anatase are very promising supports for both metal and metal oxide catalysts. Contrary to rutile, anatase polymorph of TiO₂’s crystalline structure, exhibits higher specific surface area.  However, the main challenge in the field of synthesis of high surface area TiO₂ is its tendency to aggregate even at relatively mild temperatures.

To improve the functionality of TiO₂ nanoparticles, a variety of emerging synthesis methods attempt to enhance TiO₂ nanoparticle surface area and structure.  For example, TiO₂ has been synthesized through, colloidal synthesis, microemulsion method, and pyrolysis.  In our approach, TiO₂ nanoparticles have been synthesized from Titanium Isopropoxide precursor via a modified sol- gel route.  Sol-gel synthesis is an attractive method of preparing nanomaterial TiO₂ as it uses low temperatures for reaction synthesis.  Non-toxic biomass templates were incorporated in our sol- gel method with varying synthesis temperatures for preparation of TiO₂ nanoparticles. Results showing that TiO₂ nanoparticles with improved surface area were produced.  Samples showed improve surface area with BET values greater than 150 m²/g.  SEM results revealed unique morphology of TiO₂ nanosheets incorporated into a porous network.  In addition, characterization techniques such as Raman and XRD were performed on the TiO₂ samples, revealing the formation of anatase structure. New Raman features were found that could probably ascribed either to TiO₂ particles with crystallite size less than 20nm or small oxyhydroxide domains. Further studies will explore varying concentrations of precursors, calcination temperatures, and reaction times for optimal synthesis parameters for higher surface area.