Rapid syntheses of nanocomposites with layered tetratitanate using ultrasound

Ultrasound is used to prepare dispersions that react with polymer solutions to form polymer nanocomposites containing tetratitanate (Ti4O92−) layers. UV/Vis spectrometry and particle size distribution analyses are used to monitor changes in tetratitanate particle size as a function of ultrasonication time and concentration of tetrabutylammonium (TBA), which acts a dispersing agent. The dispersed tetratitanate suspension reacts with poly(ethyle oxide), poly(vinylpyrrolidone), or poly(ethylenimine) to form layered nanocomposites, which are characterized by powder XRD, and elemental, thermal, and SEM analyses.