Synthesis of pure anatase TiO2 nanocrystals in SiO2 host and the determination of crystal planes by ImageJ

Abstract Anatase TiO 2 nanocrystals in the TiO 2 – SiO 2 matrix were prepared by the ultra hydroylsis sol–gel route. The samples were heat treated at 350 °C and 500 °C. The structural analyses of the samples were carried out using X-ray diffraction technique, Raman spectroscopy and Transmission electron microscopy. The size of the nanocrystals from the XRD spectra (8.3 nm) and TEM (5–8 nm) is well in agreement. The spacing for the crystal planes was also determined using the ImageJ program. The Raman peaks further confirmed the formation of only the anatase phase within the matrix.