Synthesis of titania nanotubes by microwave irradiation

A novel method for synthesis of titanium oxide (TiO2) nanotubes by microwave irradiation was investigated. Under certain microwave power, TiO2 nanotubes were gained via the reaction of TiO2 crystals of either anatase or rutile or mixed phase and NaOH aqueous solution. The products were characterized by-TEM, HRTEM, XRD, BET and ICP. The results showed that the titania nanotubes had the central hollow, open ended and multi-wall structure. The diameters of the nanotubes were 8-12 nm, and the lengths were up to 200-1000 nm. The compositions were titanium and oxygen and the atomic ratio of O/Ti was about 2/1. XRD showed that the titanium oxide nanotubes could be anatase phase.