Nanosphere-Decorated Tunable Anatase Titania Conic Self-Assemblies

• Published in: Journal of nanoparticle research : an interdisciplinary forum for nanoscale science and technology 2013-09, Vol.15 (9), p.1-11, Article 1837
• Main Authors: Zhang, Bong June, Kim, Kwang Jin, Lee, Deuk Yong
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anatase; Characterization and Evaluation of Materials; Chemistry and Materials Science; Condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties; Condensed matter: structure, mechanical and thermal properties; Conics; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Crystallization; Diffusion in nanoscale solids; Diffusion in solids; Electron states and collective excitations in thin films, multilayers, quantum wells, mesoscopic and nanoscale systems; Electronic structure and electrical properties of surfaces, interfaces, thin films and low-dimensional structures; Exact sciences and technology; Inorganic Chemistry; Lasers; Lithium; Low-dimensional structures (superlattices, quantum well structures, multilayers): structure, and nonelectronic properties; Materials Science; Methods of nanofabrication; Morphology; Nanomaterials; Nanoparticles; Nanostructure; Nanotechnology; Optical Devices; Optics; Photonics; Physical Chemistry; Physical properties; Physics; Research Paper; Self assembly; Surface area; Surfaces and interfaces; thin films and whiskers (structure and nonelectronic properties); Titanium dioxide; Transport properties of condensed matter (nonelectronic)
• ISSN: 1388-0764; 1572-896X
• DOI: 10.1007/s11051-013-1837-5

The evolution of morphology has been a key parameter to modify electronic and physical properties of functional materials. For anatase titania, most research has been focused on tubular and/or mesoporous shapes. In this report, we note our findings of cone-shaped anatase titania self-assemblies grown by anodic oxidation. These individual anatase TiO 2 cones are constructed from numerous titania nanospheres. The variation in morphology (base diameter and height) is controlled by varying the electrolyte, the concentration of fluoride, and the applied voltage. The crystallization of the anatase phase and the enlarged surface area is confirmed by various spectroscopic methods (FE-SEM, EDS, and TEM). Through controlling the enhanced surface area and the well-ordered ion passage, the Li + diffusion rate significantly increases and leads to reversibility (charge–discharge cycle). The CV and EIS results imply structurally modified titania conic self-assemblies which can be a potential lithium intercalation template.