Morphology controlled preparation of monodisperse TiO2 nanorods and nanoparticles for optical nanocomposites

Abstract

Anatase nanoparticles and nanorods were obtained through a modified sol-gel route from titanium(IV) bis(acetylacetonate) diisopropoxide. For particle synthesis a mixture of oleic acid and oleyl amine has been used which offers not only control on particle morphology but also provides organically capped surface modified particles, which can be readily mixed with acrylic monomers yielding completely transparent dispersions. UV- and thermal curing of the monomer / particle mixture lead to clear coatings without any nanoparticle agglomeration.