Formation of titanium oxide nanotube

Nanotubes composed of various materials such as carbon, boron nitride, and oxides have been studied recently. In this report, the discovery of a new route for the synthesis of a nanotube made of titanium oxide is presented. Needle-shaped TiO2 crystals (anatase phase) with a diameter of approximate to 8 nm and a length of approximate to 100 nm were obtained when sol-gel-derived fine TiO2-based powders were treated chemically (e.g., for 20 h at 110 degrees C) with a 5-10 M NaOH aqueous solution. It was found by observation using a transmission electron microscope that the needle-shaped products have a tube structure. The TiO2 nanotubes have a large specific surface area of approximate to 400 m(2).g(-1). TiO2 nanotubes obtained in the present work are anticipated to have great potential for use in the preparation of catalysts, adsorbants, and deodorants with high activities, because their specific surface area is greatly increased. If metallic-, inorganic-, or organic-based materials can be inserted into the TiO2 nanotubes, novel characteristics such as electric, electromagnetic, or chemical properties may be induced in the TiO2 materials.