The synthesis of anatase TiO2nanoparticles by solvothermal method using ionic liquid as additive

The solvothermal reactions of Ti(OiPr)4in alcohol using ionic liquid as additive were investigated. In the presence of [BMIM][Cl], [BMIM][Br], [BMIM][NTf2], [BMIM][SO3Me], [BMIM][SO4Me], or [BMIM][OTf] (BMIM = 1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium), pure anatase nanoparticles were obtained. The controlled hydrolysis of Ti(OiPr)4in the presence of ionic liquids to form titanium oxo clusters plays a key role in the formation of anatase nanostructures, and ionic liquids can be repeatedly used to synthesise anatase nanoparticles. However, in the presence of [BMIM][PF6], [BMIM]2[Ti(OH)6] was obtained by an anion exchange reaction.