Synthesis of Angstrom-Scale Anatase Titania Atomic Wires

Using a nonhydrolytic solution approach, we demonstrate the bulk synthesis of extremely thin crystalline TiO2 atomic wires in the anatase phase with diameters reaching the atomic limit of a few angstroms (approximately 4-5 A). These nearly monodisperse, atomically thin, and soluble TiO2 wires fill a most important size gap in nanowire fabrication. Preliminary results on photocatalytic activity of the atomic wires are also presented on degradation of methylene blue under visible light. These atomic wires are expected to promote exchanges between theory and experiments in fundamental studies of a one-dimensional (1D) system and provide unique building blocks to construct high-performance devices.