Synthesis of TiO2 nanorods by oriented attachment using EDTA modifier: a novel approach towards 1D nanostructure development

The synthesis of TiO2 nanorods with anatase structure has been achieved from the necking of truncated nanoparticles by oriented attachment using titanium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) chelated complex as a molecular precursor. The preparation was carried out under mild conditions using a simple solvothermal process. The influence of EDTA over the growth of nanocrystallites and the various other factors which contribute to the development of 1D TiO2 nanostructure are investigated. At a relatively lower temperature, titania nanopowders are obtained, and the anatase phase crystallization is verified by wide angle X-ray diffraction. The evolution of rod-shaped TiO2 with tapered edges has been confirmed by transmission electron micrographs. The well aligned lattice fringes of TiO2 nanorod towards [001] direction is investigated by HRTEM. The SEM images show the surface configuration of overall aggregates of titania crystallites consisted of primary particles which are densely packed in an orderly texture. The moderate shift in the absorption band towards higher energy region of the absorption spectrum confirms the weak carrier confinement effect in the sample.