Low temperature crystallization behavior of TiO2 derived from a sol–gel process

TiO2 nanoparticles are widely used for many applications and an understanding of the crystallization behavior of TiO2 is essential, so that heat treatment conditions can be optimized for particular applications. The effect of sol–gel synthesis conditions on the crystallization behavior of TiO2 has, therefore, been investigated. Complete crystallization to the anatase phase (determined by XRD and TEM analysis) was achieved during drying of the synthesis product at 95 °C. The nanoparticles grew during heat treatment, reaching ∼10–15 nm in diameter with a heat treatment at 450 °C. Explanations are offered for the observed differences in the crystallization and particle growth behavior of TiO2 synthesized under various conditions.