Synthesis of nanodimensional TiO2 thin films

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Solid State Physics

Background:

• Nanodimensional titanium dioxide (TiO2) is crucial for photocatalysis, photovoltaics, and photochromic devices.
• Controlling TiO2 nanostructure is key to optimizing its performance in various applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the formation and evolution of nanophases in TiO2 thin films.
• To explore the effects of high-energy ion beam irradiation on TiO2 nanostructure.
• To correlate structural changes with optical properties.

Main Methods:

• Pulsed laser deposition (PLD) for TiO2 thin film fabrication.
• 100 MeV Silver (Ag) ion beam irradiation for inducing nanostructure.
• Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) for nanostructure characterization.
• Glancing Angle X-ray Diffraction (GAXRD) and Raman Spectroscopy for phase identification.
• UV-VIS absorption spectroscopy for optical property analysis.

Main Results:

• AFM revealed the formation of nanophases with particle radii ranging from 10-13 nm.
• GAXRD and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the formation of the anatase phase of TiO2 after irradiation.
• A blue shift in UV-VIS absorption spectra indicated the successful formation of nanostructures.
• The study found that nanoparticle shape and size are dependent on the initial film thickness due to high electronic excitation.

Conclusions:

• High-energy Ag ion irradiation is an effective method for creating nanophases in TiO2 thin films.
• The anatase phase is preferentially formed under these irradiation conditions.
• The observed optical changes confirm the nanostructure development, with film thickness being a critical factor.