Large scale synthesis of V-shaped rutile twinned nanorods

Authors

Weigang Lu, Baylor University
Britain Bruner, Baylor University
Gilberto Casillas, University of Texas at San AntonioFollow
Jibao He, Tulane University
Miguel Jose-Yacaman, University of Texas at San Antonio
Patrick J. Farmer, Baylor University

RIS ID

81432

Publication Details

Lu, W., Bruner, B., Casillas, G., He, J., Jose-Yacaman, M. & Farmer, P. J. (2012). Large scale synthesis of V-shaped rutile twinned nanorods. CrystEngComm, 14 (9), 3120-3124.

Abstract

V-shaped rutile twinned nanorods (VRTNs) with different aspect ratios were synthesized on large scale using a one-pot organic solvothermal method. Although several different types of VRTNs were produced, (101) twinned nanorods were the major product with minor amounts of (301) twins and straight nanorods. STEM, TEM and XRD characterizations show that [001] is the growth direction of VRTNs, with surfaces dominated by {110} facets. Intermediate formation of both brookite and anatase nanorods provides dual pathways to VRTNs’ growth: one path in which anatase seeds trigger and promote brookite nanorod growth; and a second path in which anatase nanorods are formed by oriented attachment. Subsequent dissolution of both brookite and anatase nanorods provides titania to support VRTNs growth.