Size-controllable synthesis of nanosized-TiO2 anatase using porous Vycor glass as template

In this paper we report the synthesis and characterization of TiO2 nanocrystal dispersed into a porous Vycor glass. We have obtained very small TiO2 nanocrystals in the anatase form. The nanocrystal size is controlled via the mass increment only thus preventing the growth through the coalescence process. The nanocrystal size was monitored through transmission electron microscope and Raman scattering. The␣coalescence control is attributed due to the obtention of nanocrystals dispersed into the host and to the terminal bonds present in the porous which act as an anchor thus resulting in a low diffusion of the nanocrystals through the porous network.