Electron Microscopy Characterization of Low-Temperature Growth Zn-doped TiO₂ Nanowires

Abstract

We report the synthesis of Zn-doped TiO2 nanowires by a solution-based process. The synthesis takes place at 200°C in an alkali solution and results in both nanowire and nanoparticle precipitates. Several transmission electron microscopy techniques were used to characterize the resulting precipitates: diffraction patterns and high resolution phase contrast images provided identification of the crystalline phase of the material as well as insights into the resulting lattice parameters, energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy allowed identification of constituent elements, and electron energy loss spectroscopy permitted quantification of relative concentrations of hydroxyl and lattice-type oxygen bonding. In addition, scanning electron microscope images provide overall perspective of the growth uniformity and morphology.