Preparation of TiO2 microcoils from carbon microcoil templates using a sol–gel process

Novel TiO 2 microcoils were obtained by coating TiO 2 layers on the carbon microcoil templates by using a sol–gel process. The preparation conditions, morphologies, microstructure, and some properties were examined. It was found that helical TiO 2 fibers, including TiO 2 microcoils (TMCs) or TiO 2 microtubes with negative coiling patterns on the surface (TMCNCs) were obtained, depending on the coating conditions. TMCNCs were formed when used low concentrations of titanium tetra-isopropoxide in ethanol, while TMCs were formed when used high concentrations.