Electrochemical dissolution of pure titanium and direct hydrolysis for preparation of nanocrystalline TiO2

Metallic titanium was electrochemically dissoluted in absolute ethanol in the presence of Et4N . Br (as electro-conductive additive). The electrolyte solution was then directly hydrolysized to obtain nanocrystalline TiO2. The powder obtained was calcined at 720 degreesC for 1 h. FT-IR, Raman spectra, XRD and TEM were used to investigate the structure and particle size of the powder. Studies showed that the nanocrystalline TiO2 prepared by this method was of monocline structure with high textural stability and narrow size distribution of 10 - 20 nm, and its Raman spectra showed a shift of about 25 cm(-1). The experiments also showed that the product yield could be improved by controlling the temperature under 50 - 60 degreesC, selecting R4N . Br as conductive additive and preventing titanium anode from being passivated. The electrochemical dissolution of metal anode may be recommanded as a promising technique for the synthesis of nanomaterials.