Monodispersed titanium oxide nanoparticles in N,N-dimethylformamide: water solutions

International audienceBecause of both its complexing ability toward Ti cations and reactivity in highly acidic medium, N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) can be used to control the hydrolysis and condensation of Titanium oxide frameworks, starting from Ti oxychloride as precursor. The addition of water allows promotion of hydrolysis of the aldehyde while controlling the size of the nanoparticles formed in the solution. The as-prepared colloidal solutions are very stable, up to 3 months, depending on the initial titanium concentration, the DMF/Water ratio, and the thermal treatment. The sol to gel transformation was monitored by viscosimetry measurements as a function of ageing time and heat treatment temperature. Optimization of pre-treatment at moderate temperature leads to fine control over the gelation process