Solvothermal synthesis

Schematic diagram of solvothermal synthesis setup: (1) stainless steel autoclave (2) precursor solution (3) Teflon liner (4) stainless steel lid (5) spring

Solvothermal synthesis is a method of producing chemical compounds. It is very similar to the hydrothermal route (where the synthesis is conducted in a stainless steel autoclave), the only difference being that the precursor solution is usually not aqueous (however, this is not always the case in all literature uses of the expression). Using the solvothermal route gains one the benefits of both the sol-gel^[1] and hydrothermal routes.^[2] Thus solvothermal synthesis allows for the precise control over the size, shape distribution, and crystallinity of metaloxide nanoparticles or nanostructures. These characteristics can be altered by changing certain experimental parameters, including reaction temperature, reaction time, solvent type, surfactant type, and precursor type.

Solvothermal synthesis has been used in laboratory to make nanostructured titanium dioxide,^[3] graphene,^[4] carbon^[5] and other materials.

The high photocatalytic capacity of TiO₂ leads to the degradation of organic ^[6][7] and biological molecules ^[8][9] into smaller and less harmful compounds. Because of their small size, TiO₂ nanostructures also provide increased surface area at which photocatalytic reactions may occur, increasing their activity. This photocatalytic activity may be applied to air purification,^[10] self-sterilization,^[11] water purification ^[12] and molecular hydrogen production.^[13] Thus the ability of solvothermal synthesis to precisely tailor TiO₂ nanostructures has the potential to maximize the efficiency of those nanostructures in applications.

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