On the Unusual Properties of Anatase TiO2 Exposed by Highly Reactive Facets

As an important metal oxide, anatase titanium dioxide has been widely investigated because of its many promising properties. The properties of anatase TiO 2 crystals are largely determined by exposed external surfaces. Since the breakthrough in synthesizing anatase TiO 2 single crystals with a large percentage of highly reactive {001} facets in 2008, many unusual properties and applications of these {001} facets dominant in anatase TiO 2 have been explored theoretically and experimentally, showing the industrial importance of this semiconductor material. This Perspective focuses on the theoretical simulations and application explorations of the unusual properties of anatase TiO 2 bound by highly reactive facets. Research opportunities as well as the challenges for future research in this emerging frontier are also highlighted.