Preparation of TiO nanoparticles by pulsed laser ablation; Ambient pressure dependence of crystallization

Matsubara, Masakazu*; Yamaki, Tetsuya; Ito, Hisayoshi; Abe, Hiroaki*; Asai, Keisuke*

Japanese Journal of Applied Physics, Part 2, 42(5A), p.L479 - L481, 2003/05

Pulsed laser ablation with a KrF excimer laser was used to prepare fine particles of titanium dioxide (TiO). The ablation in an atmosphere of Ar and O (5:5) at total pressures of 1 Torr led to the formation of TiO nanoparticles composed of anatase and rutile structures without any suboxides. The weight fraction of the rutile/anatase crystalline phases was controlled by the pressure of the Ar/O gas. The TiO nanoparticles had a spherical shape and their size, ranging from 10 and 14 nm, also appeared to be dependent on the ambient pressure.