Synthesis of high-energy anatase nanorods via an intermediate nanotube morphology

We report for the first time, the synthesis of strained TiO2 nanorods whose a-axis is aligned along the long axis of the rod. We use nanotubes as intermediates where the (1 0 0) axis is thermodynamically favored along the length of the tube, and then collapse the tubular structure through calcination. This nanorod keeps the orientation of its tubular predecessor. Re-orientation of the unit cell within the nanorod morphology as the temperature is increased suggests these nanorods are in a high energy configuration which is kinetically quenched.