Synthesis of flower-like nanoparticles of anatase titania by microwave solvo-hydrothermal method

Anatase titania nanoparticles with an average size of about 14 nm were synthesized by microwave solvothermal method from TiCl4 and ethanol as a precursor and solvent respectively. The shapes of as prepared samples were modified by microwave hydrothermal treatment in strongly alkaline medium at 100 °C for 2 h, the agglomerate particles can be converted to the nanorods then to flower-like sphere. The structure, morphology and optical properties of as-prepared powders were investigated by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and UVvis absorption spectroscopy, the quality of the samples was examined by IR absorption spectroscopy and room temperature photoluminescence (PL). The results showed that the synthesized TiO2 revealed the formation of the nanorods and the flower-like shape of titania after post treatment in 5 mol/L and 10 mol/L NaOH solution, respectively. IR absorption spectra showed that the as-prepared TiO2 nanocrystals were highly pure and strongly surface hydrated, The photoluminescence measurement showed that five main emission peaks appeared in UV, violet, blue and green regions.