Synthesis of anatase phase titanium dioxide using high-power nd:Yag laser focused on titanium wire in water

Abstract

An experimental method to synthesize titanium dioxide (TiO2) using high-power laser in water was performed. A high-power Nd:YAG pulsed laser was used for the synthesis, with the laser energy fixed at 1 J/pulse. This laser was focused on a titanium wire set in water. This investigation recovered nano-sized anatase phase titanium dioxide with well crystallized structure. Pulsed bubbles generated in the water were confirmed by optical measurement, and their collapse may have induced high pressures and temperatures. The bubbles generated was approximately spherical in shape, with an estimated maximum size of 3.7mm generated about 200 μs later after focusing the laser. Recovered powders were confirmed as single anatase phase titanium dioxide by XRD analysis. Effects of bubbles on synthesis and crystallization are also suggested. © 2011 The Japan Institute of Metals.