Beginning Intro: Research and progress on TiO2 nanowires has increased significantly due to recent discoveries about their unique chemical and physical properties. Many new methods for synthesizing TiO2 nanowires have been created and improved. Specifically, three growth methods are examined in this study: (1) sol-gel method (2) direct oxidation method (3) hydrothermal method. Three applications of TiO2 nanowires are discussed in this investigation: (1) photocatalytic (2) gas sensing (3) dye-sensitized solar cell. IntroductionTitanium dioxide (TiO2) is often found in commercial products such as paint, sunscreen, toothpaste, etc. . Further research and advancement on TiO2 was initiated after the discovery of its photocatalytic property that allows it to split water on TiO2 electrodes in 1972 [7]. Nanoscale TiO2 particles can be synthesized into various forms such as nanotubes, nanorods, nanobelts, etc. [B&N]. Specifically, this section focuses on the growth mechanism, characterization and applications of TiO2 nanowires. Inorganic nanowires often exhibit unique properties useful for future applications. As the size of materials decreases to the nanoscale, the physical structure and chemical properties of nanomaterials also move away from their overall [N&N] form. Nanowires display the quantum confinement effect which describes the energy level of electrons as a discrete unit [N&N]. For example, the transfer of electrons from the valence band to the conductive band requires a specific amount of energy [N&N]. Additionally, the surface area to volume ratio increases as particles become smaller [N&N]. This property supports many future applications of TiO2 nanowires that require a large surface area. Middle of Paper......terials Research Society Journals. Internet. July 10, 2010.[7] Chen, Xiaobo and Samuel S. Mao. “Titanium dioxide nanomaterials: synthesis, properties, modifications and applications.” » Chemical Reviews 107.7 (2007): 2891-959. ACS Publications. Web. July 10, 2010.[8] Limmer, Steven J., Seana Seraji, Yun Wu, Tammy P. Chou, Carolyn Nguyen, and Guozhong Cao. “Model-based growth of various oxide nanorods by sol-gel electrophoresis.” Advanced Functional Materials 12.1 (202): 59-64 Web. 10] “The transmission electron microscope.” Nobelprize.org. Nobel Web AB, 2010. Web July 10, 2010. .[11] “TEM Basics.” MATTER - Educational software for materials science and engineering. 2000. Internet July 10. 2010. .