OICC Press International Nano Letters 2228-5326 4 3 (September 2014) 2014 07 04 Choice of precursor not affecting the size of anatase TiO2 nanoparticles but affecting morphology under broader view 10.1007/s40089-014-0111-x EN Manasi Manoj Karkare Department of Humanities and Applied Sciences, S.I.E.S.Graduate School of Technology, Navi-Mumbai, IN Journal Article 2014 07 04 Abstract In this study, anatase titanium dioxide nanoparticles were successfully prepared by a sol–gel method using two different precursors, titanium isopropoxide and titanium butoxide. Hydrochloric acid or nitric acid was added to adjust the pH of the solution. The sols obtained were dried at 80 °C and calcined at 450 °C for 3 h. The nanostructures were characterised by scanning electron microscopy, FTIR and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy. The phase transformations were investigated by an X-ray diffractometer. Highly crystalline anatase titania nanoparticles could be obtained through the controlled hydrolysis reaction rate. The sizes of synthesized particles were in the range 5–13 nm, i.e. 9 nm on an average and with a regular shape. The size of nanoparticles was not affected by the choice of precursor. The broad view of the samples prepared using titanium isopropoxide showed film-like structures, whereas the samples prepared using titanium butoxide showed spherical granules. A red shift of 0.13 eV was observed in the band gap in the case of non-spherical particles compared to spherical ones.