Insights of the formation mechanism of nanostructured titanium oxide polymorphs from different macromolecular metal-complex precursors

Abstract

The insight into the mechanism of the unprecedented formation of pure anatase TiO2 from the macromolecular (Chitosan)center dot(TiOSO4)(n) precursor has been investigated using micro Raman spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and thermogravimetric/differential thermal analysis (TGA/DTA). The formation of a graphitic film was observed upon annealing of the macromolecular precursor, reaching a maximum at about 500 degrees C due to decomposition of the polymeric chain of the Chitosan and (PS-co-4-PVP) polymers. The proposed mechanism is the nucleation and growth of TiO2 nanoparticles over this graphitic substrate. SEM and Raman measurements confirm the formation of TiO2 anatase around 400 degrees C. The observation of an exothermic peak around 260 degrees C in the TGA/DTA measurements confirms the decomposition of carbon chains to form graphite. Another exothermic peak around 560 degrees C corresponds to the loss of additional carbonaceous residues.