Infrared spectroscopy of nanocrystalline anatase (TiO2) particles under the neutron irradiation

Bands structure of nanocrystalline anatase (TiO2) particles was investigated before and after neutron irradiation (1.6 × 1015n·cm−2, 8 × 1015n·cm−2, 4 × 1016n·cm−2 and 2 × 1017n·cm−2) using FTIR spectroscopy. The peaks expressing Ti – O and Ti – O – Ti stretching oscillations before and after neutron irradiation were explained with appropriate wavenumber in the infrared (IR) absorption spectra. The new peaks observed in the IR spectra as a result of neutron transmutations were analyzed with V – O or V – O – H deformation oscillations of the newly formed V isotope. Simultaneously, deformation vibration of the TiO6 octahedron were detected on the nanoparticle surface. Moreover, the effect of neutron irradiation on the surface activity of anatase nanoparticles and amorphization processes in nanocrystals were explained by their corresponding IR spectra. •Ti – O – H deformation vibration of the TiO6 octahedron were detected on the surface of nanoparticles.•V isotope formed as a result of neutron transmutation caused V – O or V – O – H bands deformation oscillations.•It has been found out that surface of anatase nanoparticles becomes more active, and partial amorphization were possible after neutron irradiation.