Synthesis of TiO2 nanoparticles with tunable dominant exposed facets (010), (001) and (106)

A simple synthetic route was developed for the synthesis of anatase TiO2 nanoparticles with tunable dominant exposed facets. These nanoparticles were characterized by XRD, TEM, XPS and EDS measurements. The F− ions displayed a key role in the hydrothermal reaction for the formation of anatase TiO2 with different exposed facets (010), (001) and (106), which were decided by the different connection models of Ti–OH. Furthermore, a possible mechanism for the formation of anatase TiO2 with different exposed facets was suggested.