The influence of the reaction temperature on the morphology of sodium titanate 1D nanostructures and their thermal stability

We have synthesized large quantities of sodium-titanate-based nanotubes and nanoribbons with high yields under hydrothermal conditions from anatase powder in an aqueous NaOH solution. The reaction temperatures were from 95 to 195 degrees C, in steps of 20 degrees C. We observed that the morphology of the nanomaterials, which is reflected in their specific surface areas, depends strongly on the reaction temperature. For the materials synthesized in the range 95-135 degrees C and above 155 degrees C only a single morphology type was observed for the nanostructures, i.e., nanotubes and nanoribbons, respectively. In contrast, when the reaction was carried out at 155 degreesC, both nanotubes and nanoribbons were found in the product. SEM, TEM, and XRD techniques were used to determine the materials' morphological and structural properties, and the thermal stability of the materials was investigated with TGA and DSC. The largest weight loss, of approximately 25%, was observed in a temperature range from 25 up to 600 degrees C for the product obtained at 95 degrees C, probably due to the presence of unrolled titanate sheets.