Controlled crystallization of titanium dioxide particles in the presence of poly(vinyl alcohol) from peroxytitanic acid

摘要

Crystallization of TiO₂ particles from peroxytatanic acid in the presence of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) via a hydrothermal process was investigated. The crystal structure and morphology of TiO₂ were significantly affected by pH and PVA dosage. High acidic condition without PVA led to the formation of rutile TiO₂, while addition of PVA resulted in the formation of anatase TiO₂. Much amount of PVA addition, and neutral or high pH circumstance were favorable for formation of anatase TiO₂ particles. The pH of solution also affected morphology of TiO₂ particles produced. From TEM images, it was observed that in pH 5.5 solution rod-shaped clusters and in pH 8.5 solution nanoparticles aggregates composed of 20–30 nm TiO₂ particles were formed. Keywords Titanium dioxide - Nanoparticles - pH - Poly(vinyl alcohol) - Crystal structure - Morphology