Fine size-regulation of nanocrystalline anatase-TiO2via sol–gel synthesis and subsequent phase transformation by calcination

Abstract

Nanocrystalline TiO₂ particles were prepared via the sol–gel process. The particle size and nanostructure of the TiO₂ sol were controlled through the ageing process accompanied by hydrolysis–polycondensation. The resultant TiO₂ particles were analysed by BET, HR-TEM, PSA, TGA, turbidity, XRD, and zeta potential analyses. The TiO₂ size increased with increasing ageing time and reaction temperature. A phase transformation from anatase to rutile occurred with heat treatment at 500 °C. The phase transformation is strongly influenced by the primary particle sizes of TiO₂, which were characterised via XRD and Raman spectroscopic analyses.