Synthesis of TiO2 nanoscale rods with MHz femtosecond laser irradiation of single crystal surface and characterisation

Abstract

Growth of nanoscale rods on single crystal rutile TiO2 surface irradiated by MHz pulse repetition rate femtosecond laser in nitrogen environment without a catalyst or template is reported. The rods are of 100 nm in width to 1 micron length. Microraman analysis of the laser irradiated surface shows only a decrease in the intensity of active modes as compared to untreated surface. The growth of TiO2 nanorods can be explained by a method combining nanoparticles formation due to expulsion of molten material from laser irradiated spot and their subsequent growth by vapor-liquid-solid process. © 2011 Author(s).