Synthesis of Nanodimensional TiO₂ Thin Films

Nanodimensional TiO₂ has wide application in the field of photocatalysis, photovoltaic and photochromic devices. In present investigation TiO₂ thin films deposited by pulsed laser deposition method are irradiated by 100 MeV Ag ion beam to achieve growth of nanophases. The nanostructure evolution is characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The phases of TiO₂ formed after irradiation are identified by glancing angle X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. The particle radius estimated by AFM varies from 10–13 nm. Anatase phase of TiO₂ is formed after irradiation. The blue shift observed in UV-VIS absorption spectra indicates the nanostructure formation. The shape and size of nanoparticles formed due to high electronic excitation depend upon thickness of the film.