The influence of size on phase morphology and Li-ion mobility in nanosized lithiated anatase TiO2

Sustainable energy storage in the form of Li-ion batteries requires new and advanced materials in particular with a higher power density. Nanostructuring appears to be a promising strategy, in which the higher power density in nanosized materials is related to the dramatically shortened Li-ion diffusion paths. However, nanosizing materials also changes intrinsic material properties, which influence both ionic and electronic conductivity. In this work neutron diffraction is used to show that in addition to these two aspects, nanostructuring changes the phase behavior and morphology. Lithiated 40-nm TiO(2) anatase crystallites become single phase, either having the Li-poor original anatase phase, or the Li-rich Li-titanate phase, in contrast to microsized crystallites where these two phases coexist in equilibrium within one crystal particle. In addition, Li(x)TiO(2) compositions occur with stoichiometries that are not stable in micron-sized crystallites, indicating enhanced solid solution behavior. Reduced conduction electron densities at the sites of the Li ions are observed by NMR spectroscopy. This is accompanied by reduced spontaneous Li-ion mobility, suggesting a correlation between the electron density at the Li-ion site and the Li-ion mobility. The present results show that in the case of lithiated anatase TiO(2), significant effects on phase composition, morphology, and electronic configurations are induced, as well as slower intracrystallite Li diffusion.     

Li intercalation in TiO2 anatase: Raman spectroscopy and lattice dynamic studies

Raman spectra of the electrochemically lithiated TiO2 anatase are reported. They evidence spectral features induced by Li intercalation in the high-frequency region. Emergence of these lines supports recent hypothesis [M. Wagemaker et al., J. Am. Chem. Sec. 125, 840 (2003)] for formation of short Li-O valence bonds. This suggestion is verified by the lattice dynamics simulation based on the potential model with Li-O force constants extrapolated from known studies of the lithium oxide compounds. The obtained results confirm assumption of multiple Li positions and provide assignment of all the observed spectral features.     

Carrier recombination dynamics in anatase TiO2 nanoparticles

We present an experimental study of the radiative recombination dynamics in size-controlled TiO₂ nanoparticles in the range 20–130 nm. Time-integrated photoluminescence spectra clearly show a dominance of self-trapped exciton (STE) emission, with main features not dependent on the nanoparticle size and on its environment. From picosecond time-resolved experiments as a function of the excitation density and the nanoparticle size we address the STE recombination dynamics as the result of two main processes related to the direct STE formation and to the indirect STE formation mediated by non-radiative surface states.     

Light-induced charge separation in anatase TiO2 particles

Ultraviolet light-induced electron-hole pair excitations in anatase TiO(2) powders were studied by a combination of electron paramagnetic resonance and infrared spectroscopy measurements. During continuous UV irradiation in the mW.cm(-2) range, photogenerated electrons are either trapped at localized sites, giving paramagnetic Ti(3+) centers, or remain in the conduction band as EPR silent species which may be observed by their IR absorption. Using low temperatures (90 K) to reduce the rate of the electron-hole recombination processes, trapped electrons and conduction band electrons exhibit lifetimes of hours. The EPR-detected holes produced by photoexcitation are O(-) species, produced from lattice O(2-) ions. It is found that under high vacuum conditions, the major fraction of photoexcited electrons remains in the conduction band. At 298 K, all stable hole and electron states are lost from TiO(2). Defect sites produced by oxygen removal during annealing of anatase TiO(2) are found to produce a Ti(3+) EPR spectrum identical to that of trapped electrons, which originate from photoexcitation of oxidized TiO(2). Efficient electron scavenging by adsorbed O(2) at 140 K is found to produce two long-lived O(2)(-) surface species associated with different cation surface sites. Reduced TiO(2), produced by annealing in vacuum, has been shown to be less efficient in hole trapping than oxidized TiO(2).     

Thermal stability of anatase TiO2 aerogels

Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) aerogels were prepared with sol–gel ambient pressure drying method by using titanium tetrachloride (TiCl₄) as precursor and tetraethoxysilane as modifier, calcinated at different temperature and characterized by X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and small angle X‐ray scattering. The results showed that the TiO₂ aerogels remained amorphous under 500 °C, changed to anatase from 600 °C and further changed to rutile from 900 °C. Between 60 °C and 500 °C, the primary particles within the samples concentrated mainly upon small sizes, enlarged and diverged remarkably above 600 °C. The crystalline grains grew and agglomerated with the rise of the calcination temperature. The TiO₂ aerogels at a temperature higher than 800 °C have better stability than anatase because of the formation of partial Ti―O―Si bonds. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Cathodic performance of anatase (TiO2)-coated Li(Ni0.8Co0.2)O2

We report the use of Li(Ni_0.8Co_0.2)O₂ coated with different amounts of anatase (TiO₂) as a cathode material for lithium-ion cells. Electrochemical behavior is modified owing to coating and/or incorporation of titanium into the first few surface layers of Li(Ni_0.8Co_0.2)O₂. Compositions with molar concentrations of x=0.005 and 0.02 exhibit better capacity retention than the mother compound (40 cycles, 0.5 C rate, 2.75–4.30 V). Electronic Publication     

Photoluminescence of anatase and rutile TiO2 particles

Nonaqueous reactions between titanium(IV) chloride and alcohols (benzyl alcohol or n-butanol) were used for the synthesis of anatase TiO2 particles, while rutile TiO2 particles were synthesized in aqueous media by acidic hydrolysis of titanium(IV) chloride. The X-ray diffraction measurements proved the exclusive presence of either the anatase or the rutile phase in prepared samples. The photoluminescence of both kinds of particles (anatase and rutile) with several well-resolved peaks extending in the visible spectral region was observed, and the quantum yield at room temperature was found to be 0.25%. Photon energy up-conversion from colloidal anatase and rutile TiO2 particles was observed at low excitation intensities. The energy of up-converted photoluminescence spans the range of emission of normal photoluminescence. The explanation of photon energy up-conversion involves mid-gap energy levels originating from oxygen vacancies.     

Searching for facet-dependent photoactivity of shape-controlled anatase TiO2

Improving the performance of mostly employed anatase TiO₂ photocatalysts by properly controlling their crystal shape represents a big challenge to improve their efficiency in photocatalytic applications. After the synthesis, reported in 2008, of anatase microcrystals enriched in high-energy {001} facets, many efforts have been made aimed at tuning the crystal morphology of anatase, by means of either fluorine-mediated or more environmentally friendly methods, producing a deviation from its regular crystal growth. In this relatively new field of investigation, controversial opinions emerged concerning the role of each type of facet and its relative amount in relation to photoefficiency optimization. This review addresses this topic by presenting a critical survey of selected literature reports. After a brief introduction on the main synthetic strategies adopted to obtain shape-controlled anatase photocatalysts, the attention is focused on the methods employed for their comprehensive characterization, including the identification and quantification of exposed facets and the assessment of their influence on bulk and surface properties relevant to photoactivity. Potential interferences, derived from synthetic routes and possibly affecting the conclusions of facet-dependent photoactivity investigations, are also discussed. Key examples of test reactions actually demonstrating how both the type and/or the amount of specific facets influence photocatalytic activity are finally reported, aiming at providing rational bases for the design of better performing shape-controlled anatase photocatalysts.     

Formation of anatase TiO2 nanoparticles on carbon nanotubes

Anatase TiO2 nanoparticles with a size range of 2 to 10 nm have been formed on carbon nanotubes by the controlled hydrolysis and condensation of titanium bis-ammonium lactato dihydroxide in water and electrosterically dispersed carbon nanotubes.     

Synthesis and photoluminescence of well-dispersible anatase TiO2 nanoparticles

High-purity anatase TiO(2) nanoparticles were prepared using a low-temperature sol-gel route. The as-prepared sample was characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, UV-vis spectroscopy, and photoluminescence. It is shown that the as-prepared sample crystallized in a pure anatase phase with an average crystallite size of about 7 nm, and the surfaces were highly hydrated. These nanoparticles were stabilized as a water suspension via the cooperation of DLVO force and surface hydration force. These suspensions showed characteristic band-gap emission at 397+/-1.5 nm, which is a little red-shifted compared with the band-gap energy of indirect electronic transition measured in the UV-vis absorption spectrum. These observations were explained by the light-induced relaxation of polar water molecules in the surface hydration layer.     

Graphene-supported anatase TiO2 nanosheets for fast lithium storage

We have designed a unique hybrid structure by directly growing ultrathin anatase TiO(2) nanosheets onto graphene support for fast lithium storage. With exposed (001) high-energy facets, these TiO(2) nanosheets serve as ideal hosts for fast and efficient lithium storage. On the other hand, the graphene support serves as a highly conductive substrate that is beneficial to the high-rate performance.     

Reaction intermediates in the photoreduction of oxygen molecules at the (101) TiO2 (anatase) surface

The structural, electronic, and vibrational properties of intermediates of the O(2) photoreduction at the (101) TiO(2) (anatase) surface have been investigated by performing ab initio density functional calculations. In detail, a recently proposed approach has been used where molecules on the surface are treated like surface defects. Thus, by applying theoretical methods generally used in the physics of semiconductors, we successfully estimate the location and donor/acceptor character of the electronic levels induced by an adsorbed molecule in the TiO(2) energy gap, both crucial for the surface-molecule charge-transfer processes, and investigate the formation and the properties of charged intermediates. The present approach permits a view of the O(2) photoreduction process through several facets, which elucidates the molecule-surface charge-transfer conditions and reveals the key role played by charged intermediates. A comparison of present results with those of a highly sensitive IR (infrared) spectroscopy study of intermediates of the O(2) photoreduction leads to a deeper understanding of this process and to revised vibrational-line assignments and reaction paths.     

Large impact of particle size on insertion reactions. A case for anatase Li(x)TiO2

Insertion reactions are of key importance for Li ion and hydrogen storage materials and energy storage devices. The particle size dependence of insertion reactions has been investigated for lithiated anatase TiO2, revealing progressively increasing Li capacity and Li-ion solubility for decreasing particle sizes, strongly deviating from the expected Li-rich and Li-poor phase separation as occurs in the bulk material. The phase diagram alters significantly, changing the materials properties already at sizes as large as 40 nm. A rationale is found in the surface strain that occurs between the different intercalated phases, which becomes energetically too costly in small particles. In particular the observed particle size-induced solid solution behavior is expected to have fundamental and practical implications for two-phase lithium or hydrogen insertion reactions.     

Adsorption of organic molecules on rutile TiO2 and anatase TiO2 single crystal surfaces

The interaction of organic molecules with titanium dioxide surfaces has been the subject of many studies over the last few decades. Numerous surface science techniques have been utilised to understand the often complex nature of these systems. The reasons for studying these systems are hugely diverse given that titanium dioxide has many technological and medical applications. Although surface science experiments investigating the adsorption of organic molecules on titanium dioxide surfaces is not a new area of research, the field continues to change and evolve as new potential applications are discovered and new techniques to study the systems are developed. This tutorial review aims to update previous reviews on the subject. It describes experimental and theoretical work on the adsorption of carboxylic acids, dye molecules, amino acids, alcohols, catechols and nitrogen containing compounds on single crystal TiO(2) surfaces.     

高活性Ag修饰TiO2空心八面体光催化剂的简易模板诱导合成

贵金属修饰的TiO2空心纳米光催化材料由于具有大的比表面积、低的质量密度、良好的表面渗透性、强的光吸收能力以及界面电荷的快速转移,因而表现出优异的光催化性能.为了制备结构可控且精良的贵金属修饰TiO2空心纳米光催化材料,人们先后采用湿化学法、高温固相法、声化学法及光化学沉积法等.由于在制备过程中涉及多种异相材料的合成和结构控制,因此上述合成方法通常需要复杂且多步过程(有些过程甚至很容易导致结构破坏),从而限制了其在光催化领域的实际应用.本文开发了一种简单的模板诱导法,成功制备了Ag纳米粒子修饰的TiO2空心八面体光催化剂.合成过程包括模板指导沉积和原位模板溶解.以Ag2O八面体为模板, TiF4水溶液为前驱体,首先通过TiF4水解形成TiO2纳米粒子沉积在Ag2O模板表面,而TiF4水解产生的酸性HF水溶液可原位溶解碱性的Ag2O模板,从而一步制得TiO2空心八面体.同时,利用Ag2O以及Ag+离子的光敏特性,在光照条件下使Ag2O和Ag+离子生成Ag纳米颗粒,直接沉积在TiO2空心八面体的内外表面,得到Ag/TiO2光催化剂.由此可见,该合成方法具有明显的步骤少的优点.扫描电镜、透射电镜、能量散射和紫外-可见光谱等表征结果表明成功制得内外Ag纳米粒子修饰的TiO2空心八面体光催化剂,其中TiO2空心八面体的壁厚约为25 nm,边长约为1μm,而修饰在其表面的Ag纳米粒子尺寸仅为5–10 nm.此外,通过控制TiF4前驱体浓度,还可制备核壳结构的Ag2O@TiO2八面体以及不同壁厚Ag修饰的TiO2空心八面体,表明该方法在Ag/TiO2形貌合成上的多样性和可控性.为了获得良好的光催化活性,对制备的Ag纳米粒子修饰的TiO2空心八面体光催化剂进行了不同温度的热处理. X射线衍射结果表明,即使在600 oC高温下,制备的Ag/TiO2空心八面体光催化剂依然能够保持原有的特殊形貌和锐钛矿TiO2晶型.该温度明显高于TiO2从锐钛矿向金红石转变的温度.这说明合成的Ag/TiO2能在保持高活性锐钛矿相的同时获得更好的结晶性.这可能是由于分散在TiO2原始晶粒周围的Ag纳米粒子能阻止其进一步长大,从而抑制了其晶型转变.不同样品光催化降解甲基橙的结果表明,经600oC高温热处理的样品表现出最高的光催化活性,相应的反应速率常数为0.11 min？1.这应得益于该光催化剂具有以下三个特点：(1) TiO2空心八面体的薄壁结构能够缩短光照条件下光生电子和空穴从内部扩散到表面的距离;(2)由于贵金属Ag纳米粒子沉积在TiO2薄壁的内外两个表面以及TiO2和Ag形成肖脱基势垒,因此在它们接触的界面上能够发生更快的界面电荷转移;(3)高温处理导致TiO2良好的晶化以及高活性锐钛矿TiO2晶型的保持.     

Mobility enhanced photoactivity in sol-gel grown epitaxial anatase TiO2 films

Epitaxial anatase thin films were grown on single-crystal LaAlO3 substrates by a sol-gel process. The epitaxial relationship between TiO2 and LaAlO3 was found to be [100]TiO2||[100]LaAlO3 and (001)TiO2||(001)LaAlO3 based on X-ray diffraction and a high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The epitaxial anatase films show significantly improved photocatalytic properties, compared with polycrystalline anatase film on fused silica substrate. The increase in the photocatalytic activity of epitaxial anatase films is explained by enhanced charge carrier mobility, which is traced to the decreased grain boundary density in the epitaxial anatase film.     

Experimental study of dimethyl methylphosphonate decomposition over anatase TiO2

Removal from air and decomposition of dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP) over high surface area anatase TiO(2) at ambient temperature have been quantitatively studied by employing Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) technique under static conditions. In the first scenario of air purification, DMMP underwent reactive adsorption that upon completion was followed by photocatalytic oxidation. DMMP was captured over the TiO(2) surface at the speed of external diffusion. Hydrolysis of adsorbed DMMP led to methanol and methyl methylphosphonate (MMP). At low DMMP coverage quantity, it hydrolyzed completely with the formation of completely surface-bound methanol at 1% relative humidity (RH) and mostly gaseous methanol at 50% RH. Photocatalytic oxidation generated CO(2) as the only carbonaceous gaseous product and bidentate formates as the intermediate surface product. At high DMMP coverage quantity, it was captured incompletely and hydrolyzed partially with CH(3)OH in the gas phase only, 50% RH enhancing both processes. Photocatalytic oxidation generated gaseous HCOOH, CO, and CO(2) and was incomplete due to catalyst deactivation by nonvolatile products. In the second scenario of air purification, DMMP underwent adsorption, hydrolysis, and photooxidation at the same time. It resulted in the quickest removal of DMMP from the gas phase and completion of oxidation in 30 min, suggesting this process for practical air decontamination. At least 0.8 nm(2) of TiO(2) surface per each DMMP molecule should be available for complete purification of air.     

具有高光催化活性的黑色TiO2（B）/锐钛矿双晶TiO2-x纳米纤维

高效TiO2基光催化材料的开发一直是催化领域的研究热点,主要的策略是如何有效地分离光生载流子.制备多晶相的TiO2材料可引入异质/相结结构使电子与空穴朝不同方向移动,从而避免电子与空穴复合;另外,在TiO2中掺杂其他金属或非金属也可以有效地降低电子与空穴的复合率,掺杂的元素作为电子捕获阱俘获光生电子,以实现电子空穴的有效分离.近些年,作为一种全新的掺杂剂,氧空穴可以有效改善TiO2的光催化活性,所制TiO2具有可见光的全光谱吸收能力,因此该类TiO2呈现出黑色.通过上述方法均可以制备出高活性TiO2基光催化材料,如果能够将这些方法耦合一起,则可能制备出活性更高的光催化剂.因此,本文将异相结结构和空穴掺杂耦合起来,用多孔钛酸盐衍生物在H2中高温焙烧制得一种全新的黑色TiO2(B)/锐钛矿双晶TiO2–x纳米纤维.不同于其他TiO2基光催化材料,该样品仅由Ti和O元素组成,通过Ti和O元素的组合,形成了双晶结构和空穴掺杂两种特殊的结构,借助场发射(FESEM)、拉曼光谱(Raman)、氮气物理吸脱附、X射线光电子能谱(XPS)、热重(TG)、紫外可见漫反射光谱(UV-Vis)和荧光光谱(PL)等表征分析了样品的结构及其光催化性能间构效关系. FESEM结果显示,黑色TiO2(B)/锐钛矿双晶TiO2–x为长1–5mm、宽0.2mm的纤维结构, Raman结果表明,锐钛矿相在特征波段(140 cm–1左右)和TiO2(B)的特征波段(220–260 cm–1)均发生蓝移,说明该两相中均存在氧空穴;该样表面未检测到Ti3+,因此氧空穴可能分散在TiO2(B)和锐钛矿相的体相中.根据黑色TiO2(B)/锐钛矿双晶TiO2–x和白色TiO2(B)/锐钛矿双晶TiO2的失重差,估算出前者的O/Ti原子比为1.97.光催化降解甲基橙实验结果显示,黑色TiO2(B)/锐钛矿双晶TiO2–x的光催化活性是白色双晶TiO2的4.2倍,锐钛矿TiO2的10.5倍,且连续反应10次后未出现失活现象,显示出了良好的光催化稳定性.前期,我们已经证明了白色TiO2(B)/锐钛矿双晶TiO2由于具有TiO2(B)和锐钛矿的异相结结构,致使其电子空穴有效地分离,从而表现出优异的光催化活性;本文的PL结果显示,由于氧空穴的引入,异相结与氧空穴两者共同作用,进一步促进了黑色TiO2(B)/锐钛矿双晶TiO2–x电子与空穴的有效分离,因此黑色TiO2(B)/锐钛矿双晶TiO2–x表现出高的光催化活性.由于其特殊的结构,黑色TiO2(B)/锐钛矿双晶TiO2–x纳米纤维将在环境与能源领域表现出良好的应用前景.     

Low temperature preparation of anatase TiO2-coated activated carbon

Anatase titania sols were synthesized at low temperature (i.e. 75 °C) by hydrolysis of titaniumn-butoxide in abundant acidic aqueous solution. The prepared TiO₂ nanoparticles were loaded on activated carbon in a rotatory evaporator under vacuum, and then the composite photocatalyst was employed for the removal of phenol from water. The apparent rate constant and quantum yield of the composite photocatalyst enhanced 5 and 2.5 times, respectively, compared to single phase titania. The activated carbon with strong adsorbent activity provided sites for the adsorption of phenol, and the adsorbed phenol migrated continuously onto the surface of TiO₂ particles which were located mainly at the exterior surface of the activated carbon. Some phenol remained adsorbed on the catalyst when no traces of phenol were detected in the water. This adsorbed phenol could be degraded by illuminated titania while maintaining UV-irradiation. The photocatalyst was used for six cycles with degraded rate of phenol still higher than 80%.     

Preparation of nanocrystalline anatase TiO2 using basic sol-gel method

Nanocrystalline titanium dioxide particles with anatase structure and high thermal stability have been synthesized using the basic sol-gel method. The particle size and morphology were refined under hydrothermal conditions in the presence of different concentrations of tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) at 210°C and 230°C. XRD and TEM analysis showed that the TiO₂ particles obtained were homogeneous and monodispersive at low contents of TMAH. All intense peaks, clearly observed in the XRD patterns, were assigned to the anatase phase and no rutile phase was observed. At high contents of TMAH, nanoscale small (10–30 nm) and larger (>100 nm) TiO₂ particles were one-pot synthesized. The nanocrystalline TiO₂ particles synthesized by this method have good thermal stability. With the sintering temperature of up to 650°C, all the XRD peaks maintained good agreement with the anatase reference data.