Spatial Reorganization of High‐Aspect‐Ratio Mesoporous TiO <sub>2</sub> Nanowires for High‐Efficiency Photocatalyst

ABSTRACT 1D nanomaterials with high aspect ratios have demonstrated exceptional performance in catalysis owing to their superior textural properties. However, the fundamental understanding of their structural kinetics evolution remains elusive. In this study, we synthesized 1D mesoporous TiO 2 nanowires (meso‐TiO 2 nanowires) through a thermodynamically driven, sol–gel approach, revealing diverse mesoscopic architectures, including meso‐TiO 2 nanohybrids, nanoflowers, and nanoparticles. The underlying formation mechanisms were systematically investigated using multiple characterization techniques combined with molecular dynamics simulations. Results indicate that as thermodynamic energy accumulates, molecular thermal motion intensifies, promoting three‐dimensional agglomeration and thereby inducing morphological evolution. The as‐prepared meso‐TiO 2 nanowires exhibit remarkable structural advantages, featuring ultrahigh length‐to‐diameter ratios (&gt;1000), large specific surface areas (∼195 m 2 g −1 ), and enhanced charge transport properties with favorable reaction kinetics. These superior characteristics endow the material with an extraordinary photocatalytic hydrogen production rate of 35.7 mmol·g −1 ·h −1 , surpassing most reported TiO 2 ‐based photocatalysts. Additionally, the outstanding light capture and utilization efficiency of meso‐TiO 2 nanoflowers enables methane production at a rate of 153.3 µmol·g −1 ·h −1 during the CO 2 reduction process. This work not only elucidates the thermodynamic governing principles in nanomaterial evolution but also provides new perspectives for rational design of advanced nanostructured inorganic materials through controlled synthesis engineering.

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Publication Details

Journal
Advanced Functional Materials
Published
2026-08-03
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.77519
Primary Topic
TiO2 Photocatalysis and Solar Cells
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

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article

Spatial Reorganization of High‐Aspect‐Ratio Mesoporous TiO 2 Nanowires for High‐Efficiency Photocatalyst

Chenxi Guo, Bingxian Chu, Zaiwang Zhao, Lanhao Yang et al.
Advanced Functional Materials
TiO2 Photocatalysis and Solar Cells
article

Spatial Reorganization of High‐Aspect‐Ratio Mesoporous TiO 2 Nanowires for High‐Efficiency Photocatalyst

Chenxi Guo, Bingxian Chu, Zaiwang Zhao, Lanhao Yang, Kun Lan, Rongyao Li, Wendi Wang, Dongyuan Zhao, Zhiyi Zhang, Jingyu Zhang
article en

Abstract

ABSTRACT 1D nanomaterials with high aspect ratios have demonstrated exceptional performance in catalysis owing to their superior textural properties. However, the fundamental understanding of their structural kinetics evolution remains elusive. In this study, we synthesized 1D mesoporous TiO 2 nanowires (meso‐TiO 2 nanowires) through a thermodynamically driven, sol–gel approach, revealing diverse mesoscopic architectures, including meso‐TiO 2 nanohybrids, nanoflowers, and nanoparticles. The underlying formation mechanisms were systematically investigated using multiple characterization techniques combined with molecular dynamics simulations. Results indicate that as thermodynamic energy accumulates, molecular thermal motion intensifies, promoting three‐dimensional agglomeration and thereby inducing morphological evolution. The as‐prepared meso‐TiO 2 nanowires exhibit remarkable structural advantages, featuring ultrahigh length‐to‐diameter ratios (&gt;1000), large specific surface areas (∼195 m 2 g −1 ), and enhanced charge transport properties with favorable reaction kinetics. These superior characteristics endow the material with an extraordinary photocatalytic hydrogen production rate of 35.7 mmol·g −1 ·h −1 , surpassing most reported TiO 2 ‐based photocatalysts. Additionally, the outstanding light capture and utilization efficiency of meso‐TiO 2 nanoflowers enables methane production at a rate of 153.3 µmol·g −1 ·h −1 during the CO 2 reduction process. This work not only elucidates the thermodynamic governing principles in nanomaterial evolution but also provides new perspectives for rational design of advanced nanostructured inorganic materials through controlled synthesis engineering.

Advanced Functional Materials
Shenzhen University (CN), Fudan University (CN), Inner Mongolia University (CN), Shenzhen Technology University (CN)
National Natural Science Foundation of China, Natural Science Foundation of Inner Mongolia
Affordable and clean energy
Openalex Percentile: Top 25%
TiO2 Photocatalysis and Solar Cells
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