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Controlled Phase Changes of Titania Using Nitrogen Plasma
R Trejo-Tzab1, Liliana Caballero-Espada2, P Quintana3
1Facultad de Ingeniería Química, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida, Yucatán, 97203, México. rudy.trejo@correo.uady.mx.
Nanoscale Research Letters
|January 17, 2017
Summary
A new nitrogen plasma (AC) technique crystallizes amorphous titanium oxide (TiO2) into nanostructured anatase and rutile phases. This method offers lower energy costs and faster processing than traditional high-temperature heat treatments.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Plasma Physics
Background:
- Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a crucial material with diverse applications.
- Conventional methods for TiO2 crystallization often require high temperatures and long durations.
- Developing energy-efficient and rapid crystallization techniques is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel crystallization technique for titanium oxide using nitrogen plasma.
- To investigate the influence of plasma treatment parameters on TiO2 phase formation.
- To compare the plasma-based method with traditional thermal treatments.
Main Methods:
- Amorphous TiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized using the sol-gel method.
- The amorphous TiO2 was subjected to AC nitrogen plasma treatment under controlled pressure, power, and time.
- Characterization was performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).
Main Results:
- The AC plasma treatment successfully induced crystallization of TiO2 into anatase and rutile phases.
- The proportion of anatase and rutile phases was directly correlated with plasma power and treatment time.
- The plasma technique yielded smaller crystal sizes compared to conventional thermal methods.
- Phase polymorphic changes were achieved without prolonged high-temperature exposure.
Conclusions:
- AC nitrogen plasma treatment is an innovative and efficient method for crystallizing amorphous TiO2.
- This technique offers a low-energy alternative to conventional high-temperature treatments for TiO2.
- The ability to control phase composition through plasma parameters opens new avenues for TiO2 material design.
