The fabrication of TiO2 nanorods from TiO2 nanoparticles by organic protection assisted template method

We report here the fabrication of TiO2 nanorods from TiO2 nanoparticles by using the organic protection assisted template method. After the deposition of perylene nanotubes in the pores of the porous alumina membranes, implantation of TiO2 nanoparticles resulted in the formation of TiO2/perylene composite nanorods. The diameters and lengths of the nanorods correspond well to the diameter of the pores of the membrane and the thickness of the template used. After removing the perylene protection layer by calcination, the TiO2 nanorods obtained have an anatase structure, the same as that of the original TiO2 nanoparticles. It is supposed that the organic layers protected the TiO2 rods from damage during removal of the template by alkaline etching. Such an organic layer protection method presents a new approach to fabricating one-dimensional nanostructures from the corresponding nanoparticles by an AAO template.