Superhydrophilic TiO2 nanorod films with variable morphology grown on different substrates

Rutile TiO2 nanorods were allowed to grow on FTO or glass substrate under the assistance of an anatase TiO2 nanoparticle/SiO2 primary film through a hydrothermal process. The component of TiO2 nanoparticle was expected to be dissolved and then to induce the growth of rutile TiO2 nanorods during the hydrothermal process and the component of SiO2 was designed to play two roles in providing landing site for rutile TiO2 nucleuses and improving the wettability of the nanorod films. The morphology of the nanorod films could also be varied with the primary film. The nanorod films derived from the primary film performed an enhanced superhydrophilicity as compared with that directly formed on the FTO surface, and showed superhydrophobicity after surface modification.