Fabrication and characterization of self-organized porous TiO2 particle layers

Self-organized porous TiO2 particle layers were fabricated by simple calcination of a Ti substrate in air. The TiO2 particle layers were formed by calcination at 800 degrees C for 24 h or 900 degrees C for 1 h. Calcination at 900 degrees C for more than 6 h, or at more than 1000 degrees C for more than 20 min, gives not only the formation of TiO2 particle layers, but also spontaneous delamination of the TiO2 particle layers from the substrate on cooling to room temperature. The crystal phase of the TiO2 particle layers is rutile. Cross-section scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images revealed that the TiO2 particle layers after spontaneous delamination have porous structure between the TiO2 particle layers. The thicknesses of the TiO2 layers increase with increasing calcination temperature and time. The sizes of the TiO2 particles depend on the calcination temperature and time. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.