MICROSTRUCTURE OF NANOSIZED TIO2 OBTAINED BY SOL-GEL SYNTHESIS

Nanosized TiO2 was prepared using a sol-gel procedure. The colloidal s uspension was stabilized with hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC). This poly mer prevents sintering of TiO2 particles during the heating of the sta rting material in the form of a solid film. The TiO2 crystallite size increased from 5 to 12 nm with increase of temperature up to 500 degre es C, as determined by X-ray diffraction. XRD phase analysis showed th at the studied samples were a mixture of anatase, as the dominant phas e, and brookite. A new approach to size determination of nanophase TiO 2, by low-frequency Raman scattering, was used.