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TiO2 nanocrystalline thin films with varying degree of porosity have been prepared using a low temperature method. TiO2 films of the anatase form have been obtained by using a polyethylene glycol (PEG) modified sol-gel method. Densification and crystallization of the films was found to result from the thermal treatment of the dip coated films in boiling water. The films have been characterized by Raman, XRD, FTIR, AFM and optical methods. Highly transparent films with transmission in excess of 85% and porosity as high as 58% are formed predominantly of anatase crystallites of dimensions of the order of 5 nm. Initial results on lithium intercalation into these films resulting in an efficient optical modulation in the visible and near infrared regions demonstrate a good potential of these films for electrochromic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cadmium titanate (CdTiO3) has been prepared by a room-temperature sol-gel technique. The powders were characterized by means of X-Ray Diffraction. Samples treated at 800°C give rise only to the ilmenite-like phase, but, after a treatment at 1100°C for about four hours, the orthorhombic perovskite is the only crystalline phase observed. The Raman spectrum of the perovskite phase is reported for the first time and that of the ilmenite phase is compared with the spectrum of CdTiO3 bulk crystals. The effects of the starting stoichiometry on the purity of the final phases, relative to the presence of TiO2 (anatase and rutile) or CdO, are investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cadmium titanate (CdTiO3) has been prepared by a room-temperature sol-gel technique. The powders were characterized by means of X-Ray Diffraction. Samples treated at 800°C give rise only to the ilmenite-like phase, but, after a treatment at 1100°C for about four hours, the orthorhombic perovskite is the only crystalline phase observed. The Raman spectrum of the perovskite phase is reported for the first time and that of the ilmenite phase is compared with the spectrum of CdTiO3 bulk crystals. The effects of the starting stoichiometry on the purity of the final phases, relative to the presence of TiO2 (anatase and rutile) or CdO, are investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]