Modified Synthesis Strategies for the Stabilization of low n TinO2n–1 Magnéli Phases

Abstract

Titanium reduced oxides TiO2–x occupy, since long time, a prominent place on the landscape of binary metal oxides because of their intriguing ability to form extended defects that affect both the formation of new superlattices and different electronic behaviours. Related to these features, a wide range of practical applications has been achieved. Moved by the conviction of the great potential of understanding the influence of the reactivity, compositional variations and size effects on their functional properties, the aim of this personal account is the optimization of a recently developed strategy for the stabilization of low n TinO2n–1 terms. In particular, we will focus on the Ti4O7 composition as well as the incorporation of transition metals, like Mn, in order to deal with new reduced Magnéli phases.