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Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a widely used material due to its interesting properties such as high refractive index, strong photocatalytic activity, and excellent chemical stability. TiO2 is commonly found in three different crystal structures: rutile, anatase, and brookite.
The process of forming TiO2 crystals includes several steps, and it largely depends on the preparation method used. Here are some common methods:
1. Hydrothermal Synthesis: In this method, a precursor (like titanium isopropoxide) is mixed with distilled water under controlled pH levels. Then, the mixture is transferred into a Teflon-lined stainless autoclave and kept at high temperatures for a certain amount of time. As a result, TiO2 crystals are formed.
2. Sol-Gel Method: This method includes hydrolysis and condensation of titanium alkoxides to form a sol. The sol is then dried and heated to remove water and other volatiles to form a gel, wherein the particles are arranged in a three-dimensional network. After this, the gel is heat-treated (calcined) to crystallize the particles into TiO2.
3. Flame Spray Pyrolysis: In this method, a precursor solution is injected into a flame where it is quickly heated and transformed into crystalline TiO2 nanoparticles.
The rate of crystal growth is influenced by several factors such as the temperature, concentration of the solution, pH, pressure, and reaction time. The precise control of these parameters allows the formation of TiO2 crystals with different sizes and shapes.
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