Fabrication of TiO2 Nanoparticles and Thin Films by Ultrasonic Spray Pyrolysis: Design and Optimization

Abstract

Ultrasonic spray pyrolysis (USP) methods offer an economical, efficient, and dependable method of depositing nanoparticles (NPs) with consistent crystalline structure and stoichiometry. The need for precise control of structural, morphological, and optical properties has stimulated researches on development spray pyrolysis (SP) methods for depositing titanium dioxide nanoparticles (NPs) and thin films (TF) to substitute traditional sophisticated and expensive wet chemistry methods and solid state techniques. SP methods, as compared to other solid state techniques, offer precise control of the stoichiometry of precursor’s solutions prepared by wet chemistry methods. Moreover, SP methods offer deposition simplicity as the NPs and TFs are deposited at room temperature and pressure. The deposited NPs and TFs are produced in a single‐step route without the need for laborious, expensive purification and excessive annealing procedures. The present chapter offers the experimental challenges and accomplishments experienced while working with the USP systems. Knowledge gathered was key to the development of the present USP system presented herein. This book chapter starts by presenting a review of the current methods available for fabrication of TiO2 NPs and TFs. This chapter also provides a detailed report on the numerous experimental considerations utilized in the optimization of the novel USP system for depositing titanium dioxide NPs and TFs. Finally, the design of the USP system is presented.