Insights into Successful Hydrothermal Synthesis of Brookite TiO ₂ Particles: From Micro to Nano

High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide In this study, we investigate the hydrothermal synthesis of brookite phase TiO 2, resulting in the successful formation of flower-like microstructures and rod-like nanoparticles. In this method, a pH of 12.5 is critical for initiating the formation of the brookite phase prior to crystallization. Specifically, Na + cations facilitate interactions between titanate layers, which promote this transition. Our findings indicate that a threshold concentration of Na + ions is required to stabilize the brookite structure; deviations below this concentration instead favor the formation of anatase. Notably, we demonstrate that an optimal Na + level enables the reliable formation of rod-like, ligand-free brookite nanoparticles. Photodegradation tests conducted with trichloroethylene as a representative pollutant showed promising photocatalytic efficiency for both structural forms, with the rod-like nanoparticles exhibiting superior activity.