Langmuir, Vol.30, No.2, 617-623, 2014
Unusual Enrichment and Assembly of TiO2 Nanocrystals at Water/Hydrophobic Interfaces in a Pure Inorganic Phase
We report an unusual enrichment and assembly of TiO2 nanocrystals at water/hydrophobic interfaces through oxidative hydrolysis of TiCl3 in water. The assembly is a spontaneous process that involves on-water inorganic reaction and assembly in the absence of any organic phases. In this process, TiO2 nanoparticles are preferentially produced at water/hydrophobic interfaces. When the surface tension of the aqueous phase is above a critical value, ca. 25-35 mN m(-1), these TiO2 nanocrystals can spontaneously accumulate at water/air interfaces to produce macroscopic sized sheets and tubes.