Self-assembly of Multilevel Branched Rutile-type TiO2 Structures Via Oriented Lateral and Twin Attachment

Overview

Journal Sci Rep

Specialty Science

Date 2016 Apr 12

PMID 27063110

Citations 5

Authors

Vanja Jordan

Uros Javornik

Janez Plavec

Ales Podgornik

Aleksander Recnik

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Recent breakthrough of novel hierarchic materials, orchestrated through oriented attachment of crystal subunits, opened questions on what is the mechanism of their self-assembly. Using rutile-type TiO2, synthesized by hydrothermal reaction of Ti(IV)-butoxide in highly acidic aqueous medium, we uncovered the key processes controlling this nonclassical crystallization process. Formation of complex branched mesocrystals of rutile is accomplished by oriented assembly of precipitated fibers along the two low-energy planes, i.e. {110} and {101}, resulting in lateral attachment and twinning. Phase analysis of amorphous material enclosed in pockets between imperfectly assembled rutile fibers clearly shows harmonic ordering resembling that of the adjacent rutile structure. To our understanding this may be the first experimental evidence indicating the presence of electromagnetic force-fields that convey critical structural information through which oriented attachment of nanocrystals is made possible.

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