Facile method to attach transition metal ions to the surface of anatase TiO2 nanorods

Abstract

We report a robust, low-cost method to attach transition metal ions directly to the surface of anatase TiO₂ rod-shaped nanocrystals with preservation of the host nanocrystal morphology and phase. The procedure has been optimized to achieve quantitative control of metal ion loading on the surface of the nanorods. The metal ion can be attached to the nanocrystal surface up to full monolayer coverage, after which the surface becomes saturated and there is no further addition.