Efficient synthesis of single-crystalline Na₂Ti₆O₁₃ nanoribbons

A simple approach to the molten salt synthesis of Na₂Ti₆O₁₃ nanoribbons from TiO₂ and sodium chloride has been realized with the assistance of nonionic surfactant NP-9 at a relatively low temperature of 825°C. Single-crystalline Na₂Ti₆O₁₃ nanoribbons of widths 15-100 nm and length up to tens of microns have been obtained. Structure of the nanoribbons was identified using selected-area electron diffraction (SAED) and electron microscopy. The facile technique offers an alternative opportunity for the synthesis of other ternary metal oxide 1D nanostructures.