Controlling the morphology of TiO2 nanocrystals with different capping agents

Abstract

This paper provides direct evidence to support the role of capping agents in controlling the evolution of TiO2 seeds into nanocrystals with a specific shape. Starting with Ti(OBut)4 and using oleid acid, oleylamine, dioleamide, 11-aminoundecanoic acid, arginine, trifluroacetic acid or HF as capping agents, mainly TiO2 truncated octahedrons enclosed by {1 0 1} and {0 0 1} facets were obtained. We could also selectively obtain square, rods and rounded rhombic-shaped nanoparticles by growing of {0 1 0} facets by adding oleic acid and oleylamine in ratio 6:4, respectively, while all other parameters were kept the same. This research not only offers new insights into the role played by a capping agent in shape-controlled synthesis but also provides, a versatile approach to controlling the shape of metal oxide nanocrystals.

Keywords

• TiO2
• Photocatalyst
• Microscopy
• Nanoparticles
• Morphologic-control