The unique properties and numerous applications of nanocrystalline titanium dioxide (TiO₂) are stimulating research on improving the existing and developing new titanium dioxide synthesis methods. In this work, we demonstrate for the first time the possibilities of the extraction–pyrolytic method (EPM) for the production of nanocrystalline TiO₂ powders. A titanium-containing precursor (extract) was prepared by liquid–liquid extraction using valeric acid C₄H₉COOH without diluent as an extractant. Simultaneous thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry (TGA–DSC), as well as the Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were used to determine the temperature conditions to fabricate TiO₂ powders free of organic impurities. The produced materials were also characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results showed the possibility of the fabrication of storage-stable liquid titanium (IV)-containing precursor, which provided nanocrystalline TiO₂ powders. It was established that the EPM permits the production of both monophase (anatase polymorph or rutile polymorph) and biphase (mixed anatase–rutile polymorphs), impurity-free nanocrystalline TiO₂ powders. For comparison, TiO₂ powders were also produced by the precipitation method. The results presented in this study could serve as a solid basis for further developing the EPM for the cheap and simple production of nanocrystalline TiO₂-based materials in the form of doped nanocrystalline powders, thin films, and composite materials.

Due to its magnetic, electrical, absorption, and emission properties, nanoscale gadolinium oxide is widely used in various fields. In this research, nanocrystalline Gd₂O₃ powders and films on glass substrates have been produced by the extraction-pyrolytic method. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the formation of single phase Gd₂O₃ with cubic crystal structure and the mean crystallite size from 9 to 25 nm in all produced materials. The morphology of samples has been characterized by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy.

In this study, micro- and nanospectroscopic techniques were used to examine the aerial epidermis of a barley crop leaf cuticle to determine if there is a correlation between aerial morphological features and their chemistry. We believe this understanding may inform the design of nanoparticles (NPs) with improved and controlled NP-plant interactions and potential applications as foliar nanofertilizers. We compared three different Raman excitation wavelengthsNIR, Vis, and UVand evaluated the possibilities of nanospectroscopic techniques like tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) and nano-FTIR spectroscopy. All measurements were performed on a fresh leaf surface. The impact of excitation wavelength and other measurement parameters (laser power, exposure time) to obtain an optimal signal-to-noise ratio without photodamaging the leaf was systematically evaluated. The main compounds detected in the cuticle matrix were carotenoids, flavonoids, polysaccharides, phenolic compounds, and cuticular waxes. UV (325 nm) was found to be the most suitable excitation wavelength for obtaining the most intense signals from the cuticle while avoiding plant pigment signals.