A change in morphology from anatase-TiO2 nanoparticles to anatase-TiO2 nanoflakes via electrospray

The change in morphology from anatase-TiO2 nanoparticles to anatase-TiO2 nanoflakes was induced using an electrospray method. The morphological, structural, and chemical properties of all samples were investigated using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). To control their morphologies, the relative humidity in a closed electrospray chamber was maintained at 35% ± 3%, 55% ± 3%, and 75% ± 3%. The different morphologies during the transformation from anatase-TiO2 nanoparticles to anatase-TiO2 nanoflakes were a result of the different relative humidities in the closed electrospray chamber. As a result, anatase-TiO2 nanoflakes were formed owing to the higher partial pressure of water in the atmosphere of the closed chamber and the slower solidification process of the charged jet.

► Morphological changes from anatase-TiO2 nanoparticles to anatase-TiO2 nanoflakes.
► Their morphological, structural, and chemical properties were investigated.
► Anatase-TiO2 nanoflakes were formed owing to the higher partial pressure of water.