Microstructure and phase transformation behavior of doped nanostructured titania

Microstructure and phase transformation behavior of doped nanostructured titania has been studied with a view to understanding the microstructural development for possible applications in the areas of catalysis and electronic ceramics. Sol-gel derived anatase titania gel was used as the precursor. Anatase-to-rutile transformation was studied using differential thermal analysis (DTA) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The nanostructural development was monitored using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and surface area measurements. Cu and Ni enhanced transformation as well as sintering. On the other hand, La retarded both transformation and densification. Co-doping of titania with La and Cu was also studied, to see whether co-doping affected the densification behavior of the La-doped samples. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd.