Colloidal TiO2-based nanocrystal heterostructures

Nanoscale TiO2 represents an exclusive encounter platform on which diverse physical-chemical properties coexist with the potential for environmentally safe energy applications [1]. One strategy to diversify and expand the technological opportunities of this oxide is to create TiO2-based heterostructured nanocrystals (HNCs) with a spatially controlled distribution of their composition, which ncorporate epitaxially interconnected domains of TiO2 and distinct metal magnetic materials [2]. In this lecture, we will illustrate progress made by our research group in the development of novel colloidal HNCs based on different TiO2 polymorphs and foreign metallic and magnetic materials (γ-Fe2O3/Fe3O4, Co, Ag, Pt, Cu/Cu2O), discussing their formation mechanism, and peculiar structural, magnetic, optical and photocatalytic properties. Useful criteria for the rational design of future prototypes of TiO2-based heterostructures with higher structural complexity and increased functionality will be suggested