{"title":"Scalable synthesis of anatase titania quantum dots: Precursor influence, formation mechanism, and multifunctional applications","authors":"Md Rashed Alam, Munira Sultana, Afrina Sharmin, Shahran Ahmed, Sharmin Jahan, Sabrina Mostofa, M.S. Bashar","doi":"10.1016/j.jsamd.2025.100917","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study demonstrates a straightforward and scalable approach for synthesizing anatase titania (TiO<sub>2</sub>) quantum dots (QDs) using various titanium precursors. The synthesis employed a simple sol-gel method combined with reflux condensation in an aqueous solution, eliminating the need for templates or organic solvents. A subsequent annealing process resulted in QDs with a high yield exceeding 43 %. The primary objective was to investigate the effects of different precursors on the properties of the QDs and the mechanisms governing their formation. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses confirmed that the crystallite size was consistently below 10 nm, with variations influenced by the choice of precursor. The crystalline anatase phase was successfully identified through XRD and Raman spectroscopy. The optical properties of the QDs were studied using UV–Vis–NIR spectroscopy, and the energy bandgap (Eg) was determined to range from 4.04 to 4.08 eV, based on Tauc plot analysis. This value exceeds the typical bandgap of bulk TiO<sub>2</sub>, a phenomenon attributed to quantum size effects. The findings highlight the potential of this method for producing high-yield TiO<sub>2</sub> QDs with tunable properties, paving the way for advancements in applications such as photocatalysis, optoelectronics, and energy storage.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17219,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Science: Advanced Materials and Devices","volume":"10 3","pages":"Article 100917"},"PeriodicalIF":6.8000,"publicationDate":"2025-05-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Journal of Science: Advanced Materials and Devices","FirstCategoryId":"88","ListUrlMain":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S246821792500070X","RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"MATERIALS SCIENCE, MULTIDISCIPLINARY","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
This study demonstrates a straightforward and scalable approach for synthesizing anatase titania (TiO2) quantum dots (QDs) using various titanium precursors. The synthesis employed a simple sol-gel method combined with reflux condensation in an aqueous solution, eliminating the need for templates or organic solvents. A subsequent annealing process resulted in QDs with a high yield exceeding 43 %. The primary objective was to investigate the effects of different precursors on the properties of the QDs and the mechanisms governing their formation. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses confirmed that the crystallite size was consistently below 10 nm, with variations influenced by the choice of precursor. The crystalline anatase phase was successfully identified through XRD and Raman spectroscopy. The optical properties of the QDs were studied using UV–Vis–NIR spectroscopy, and the energy bandgap (Eg) was determined to range from 4.04 to 4.08 eV, based on Tauc plot analysis. This value exceeds the typical bandgap of bulk TiO2, a phenomenon attributed to quantum size effects. The findings highlight the potential of this method for producing high-yield TiO2 QDs with tunable properties, paving the way for advancements in applications such as photocatalysis, optoelectronics, and energy storage.
期刊介绍:
In 1985, the Journal of Science was founded as a platform for publishing national and international research papers across various disciplines, including natural sciences, technology, social sciences, and humanities. Over the years, the journal has experienced remarkable growth in terms of quality, size, and scope. Today, it encompasses a diverse range of publications dedicated to academic research.
Considering the rapid expansion of materials science, we are pleased to introduce the Journal of Science: Advanced Materials and Devices. This new addition to our journal series offers researchers an exciting opportunity to publish their work on all aspects of materials science and technology within the esteemed Journal of Science.
With this development, we aim to revolutionize the way research in materials science is expressed and organized, further strengthening our commitment to promoting outstanding research across various scientific and technological fields.