Synthesis of nano-particles of anatase-TiO2 and preparation of its optically transparent film in PVA

Anatase-TiO2 nano-particles have been synthesized by using long-carbon chain carboxylic acid and titanium tetrachloride (TiCl4). As-prepared powder has been calcined at 500 °C to obtain highly crystalline TiO2. Broad X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern of as-prepared as well as calcined powder showed all prominent peaks for tetragonal crystal structure representing anatase-TiO2. The particle diameter by applying Scherrer formula was found to be about 20 nm. It was possible to load as-prepared particles in poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) for optical studies. Optically transparent film showed sharp absorption band for TiO2 nano-particles at ∼ 300 nm. Photoluminescence (PL) studies of the solution showed emission wavelength at about 330 nm. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) revealed that the particles in the film have uniform distribution and even for the powder no agglomeration was observed. Thermal analysis (TGA) showed that the stability of host polymer is enhanced. FTIR spectra showed presence of carboxylate functional group in the powder.