Khalique, Abdul (2026) Aerosol Flame Synthesis of |Nanostructured C-TiO2 Films and their Advanced Characterization for Potential Applications in Next Generation Electronic Devices. [Tesi di dottorato]

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Abstract

Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) has long been recognized as a versatile semiconductor, finding potential applications across a wide range of electronic and electrical technologies, including random-access memories, sensors, neuromorphic computing platforms, and biohybrid interfaces. Despite its promising properties, practical implementation remains in the early stages, largely due to incomplete understanding of its fundamental charge transport mechanisms and limitations in controlling defect-mediated behaviors at the nanoscale. The functional characteristics of titanium dioxide are strongly influenced by the methods used in its preparation, ranging from synthesis and fabrication to deliberate physicochemical modifications. In this thesis, we focus on developing nanostructured composite films that combine carbon (soot) with semiconductor TiO₂. These films are produced using a custom designed aerosol flame synthesis reactor, which enables a straightforward one-step fabrication route. This approach provides precise control over the resulting nanostructure, crystalline phases, defect states, and the incorporation of carbon inclusions. Such careful tailoring of material properties is essential for enhancing functional performance and unlocking advanced memristive applications. In this experimental framework, three distinct flame reactor configurations were carefully designed and implemented to enable the controlled production of different material systems. The first configuration was optimized for generating carbon in the form of soot, while the second was tailored to synthesize pure titanium dioxide with well-defined structural features. The third configuration combined both approaches to yield carbon–TiO₂ composite films, allowing simultaneous incorporation of carbon inclusions within the oxide matrix which is the major objective of this study. This systematic adaptation of reactor setups provided flexibility in tuning material properties, ensuring reproducibility, and offering valuable insights into how synthesis conditions influence functional nanostructures and their performance. A broad range of characterization techniques was employed, encompassing optical, chemical, morphological, and electrical analyses, to gain deeper insights into the properties of the carbon–TiO₂ nanostructured films. These investigations were carried out to evaluate their structural integrity, functional behavior, and overall suitability, highlighting their promising potential for integration into advanced electronic and energy-related devices.

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