Transformation from anatase to rutile titania using hydrothermal method: Investigation of morphology and thermal stability

Abstract

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles were successfully synthesized using the hydrothermal method in an autoclave at 100 °C. The onset of the formation of the rutile phase from 400 to 700 °C was investigated through the morphology, structure and thermal properties. X-ray diffractometer and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the formation of a hybrid anatase (A) and rutile (B) phase at 400 °C. The nanoparticles formed spherical structures with an average size between 19.799 and 38.685 nm. Thermogravimetric analysis confirmed that a TiO2 nanocrystal subjected to higher temperatures undergoes four degradation stages involving the desorption of water molecules, the loss of organic compounds, and the phase change from amorphous to crystalline anatase.