Spatial Reorganization of High‐Aspect‐Ratio Mesoporous TiO ₂ Nanowires for High‐Efficiency Photocatalyst

ABSTRACT

1D nanomaterials with high aspect ratios have demonstrated exceptional performance in catalysis owing to their superior textural properties. However, the fundamental understanding of their structural kinetics evolution remains elusive. In this study, we synthesized 1D mesoporous TiO ₂ nanowires (meso‐TiO ₂ nanowires) through a thermodynamically driven, sol–gel approach, revealing diverse mesoscopic architectures, including meso‐TiO ₂ nanohybrids, nanoflowers, and nanoparticles. The underlying formation mechanisms were systematically investigated using multiple characterization techniques combined with molecular dynamics simulations. Results indicate that as thermodynamic energy accumulates, molecular thermal motion intensifies, promoting three‐dimensional agglomeration and thereby inducing morphological evolution. The as‐prepared meso‐TiO ₂ nanowires exhibit remarkable structural advantages, featuring ultrahigh length‐to‐diameter ratios (>1000), large specific surface areas (∼195 m ² g ⁻¹ ), and enhanced charge transport properties with favorable reaction kinetics. These superior characteristics endow the material with an extraordinary photocatalytic hydrogen production rate of 35.7 mmol·g ⁻¹ ·h ⁻¹ , surpassing most reported TiO ₂ ‐based photocatalysts. Additionally, the outstanding light capture and utilization efficiency of meso‐TiO ₂ nanoflowers enables methane production at a rate of 153.3 µmol·g ⁻¹ ·h ⁻¹ during the CO ₂ reduction process. This work not only elucidates the thermodynamic governing principles in nanomaterial evolution but also provides new perspectives for rational design of advanced nanostructured inorganic materials through controlled synthesis engineering.