TiO_2 one-dimensional (1D) nanostructures such as nanowires and nanoribbons were synthesized by direct heating of Ni-coated TiO powders in argon at 850-920 deg C and approx 760 Torr in a tube furnace. The nanostructures were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The 1D nanostructures were found to be single-crystalline rutile TiO_2. The preferred growth direction is along the [110] direction. The nanowires are roughly approx 10-50 nm in diameter, and 5-20 mu m in length. The nanoribbons are 0.4-2 mu m in width and 5-20 mu m in length. The growth of nanostructures under different conditions of substrate, catalytic material, reaction gas environment and chemical composition of solid Ti_xO_y precursor was studied. The possible growth mechanisms are discussed.
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