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1588751 
Journal Article 
Synthesis, characterization and particle size distribution of TiO2 colloidal nanoparticles 
Abbas, Z; Holmberg, JP; Hellstrom, AK; Hagstrom, M; Bergenholtz, J; Hassellov, M; Ahlberg, E 
2011 
Yes 
Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects
ISSN: 0927-7757 
384 
1-3 
254-261 
WOS:000293035000038 
Nanoparticles of controlled size, well defined shape, pure
phase and of clean surfaces are ideal model systems to investigate surface/interfacial reactions.
In this study we have explored the possibility of synthesizing TiO2 nanoparticles in the size
range of 7-20 nm under well controlled experimental conditions. A simple method based on the
hydrolysis of TiCl4 was used to obtain particles having surfaces free from organics. Stable
dispersions of TiO2 nanoparticles of various sizes were obtained by optimizing the
reaction/dialysis time and temperature. The synthesized TiO2 particles were found to be
predominantly of anatase phase and narrow particle size distributions were obtained. The TiO2
particles were characterized with respect to their phase, size and shape by X-ray diffraction
(XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), respectively. Particle size distribution in a
colloidal dispersion was obtained by the electrospray scanning mobility particle sizer (ES-SMPS)
method and compared with an average particle size determined from dynamic light scattering (DLS).
The average particle sizes obtained by the DLS and ES-SMPS methods were in good agreement, while
a primary particle size of similar to 4 nm was found in X-ray diffraction irrespective of the
particle size in solution. Early stages of the nucleation process were monitored by the ES-SMPS
method. These results show that small particles of 4-5 nm are initially formed and it is highly
likely that large particles are formed due to aggregation of primary particles. (C) 2011 Elsevier
B.V. All rights reserved. 
Titanium dioxide; Colloidal nanoparticles; Dynamic light scattering; Electrospray; Scanning mobility particle sizer