Size-controlled growth of TiO2 nanowires by oxidation of titanium substrates in the presence of ethanol vapor

Size-controlled growth of single-crystalline TiO2 nanowires by oxidation of titanium substrates was investigated. The growth was performed on titanium substrates in the presence of ethanol vapor at a low pressure and high temperatures. The results of characterization indicate that the mean diameter of the nanowires depends on the growth temperature whereas the mean length increases linearly with the growth time. In addition, a growth mechanism of the nanowires formed on the substrates in the presence of ethanol vapor is discussed.