Effect of growth time on the structure, morphology and optical properties of hydrothermally synthesized TiO2 nanorod thin films

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanorod thin films were deposited on fluorine doped tin oxide coated glass substrates by a single step rapid hydrothermal process. The concentration of the precursor, the temperature of the reaction mixture were optimized in order to enhance the rate of deposition. Unlike the previously reported hydrothermal treatment for 24 – 48 h, the deposition of well aligned titanium dioxide nanorods was achieved in a short time such as 3 – 8 h. The crystal structure of the films were investigated by X-rays diffraction. The morphology of the nanorod films were studied with scanning electron microscopy. The optical properties were studied by photoluminescence spectroscopy.