Self-assembly and oriented organization of shape-controlled nanocrystalline TiO2

Controlling over crystal structure, size, shape, and organization of TiO2 nanocrystals has been achieved by means of wet chemistry. Hydrolysis and polycondensation of titanium n-butoxide (Ti(OR)4) has been performed in the presence of polyethylene glycol (PEG). The self-assemble propensity of the controlled shape and size distribution of the titania nanoparticles makes the oriented particles organise to ordered structures (nanorods) by a hydrolysis-hydrothermal route. The procedure offers the possibility of a generalized approach to the production of patterned organization of single and complex oxide nanoparticles with tunable size and morphology.