Synthesis of carbon-incorporated titanium oxide nanocrystals by pulsed solution plasma: electrical, optical investigation and nanocrystals analysis

Abstract

TiO_x/carbon composite nanosheets were synthesized by a “pulsed solution plasma” technique in a Ti-contained solution. The discharge characteristics of the plasma were investigated via the resistance of the plasma channel from current and voltage profiles as a function of capacitor energy. Furthermore, the Ti-based oxides were characterized in detail using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and selected area electron diffraction. Finally, the formation mechanism of the product was discussed through optical emission spectroscopy. The analyses revealed that the products were composed of spherical nanoparticles of TiO, TiO₂ rutile phases and polycrystalline anatase TiO₂/carbon composite nanosheets, which were formed by plasma or plasma-induced reactions between species in Ti-contained solution.