Self-organized formation of hexagonal pore arrays in anodic alumina
TL;DR: In this article, the conditions for the self-organized formation of ordered hexagonal structures in anodic alumina were investigated for both oxalic and sulfuric acid as an electrolyte.
Abstract: The conditions for the self-organized formation of ordered hexagonal structures in anodic alumina were investigated for both oxalic and sulfuric acid as an electrolyte. Highly ordered pore arrays were obtained for oxidation in both acids. The size of the ordered domains depends strongly on the anodizing voltage. This effect is correlated with a voltage dependence of the volume expansion of the aluminum during oxidation and the current efficiency for oxide formation. The resulting mechanical stress at the metal/oxide interface is proposed to cause repulsive forces between the neighboring pores which promote the formation of ordered hexagonal pore arrays.
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4,756 citations
TL;DR: This review attempts to cover all aspects, including underlying principles and key functional features of TiO(2), in a comprehensive way and also indicates potential future directions of the field.
Abstract: TiO(2) is one of the most studied compounds in materials science. Owing to some outstanding properties it is used for instance in photocatalysis, dye-sensitized solar cells, and biomedical devices. In 1999, first reports showed the feasibility to grow highly ordered arrays of TiO(2) nanotubes by a simple but optimized electrochemical anodization of a titanium metal sheet. This finding stimulated intense research activities that focused on growth, modification, properties, and applications of these one-dimensional nanostructures. This review attempts to cover all these aspects, including underlying principles and key functional features of TiO(2), in a comprehensive way and also indicates potential future directions of the field.
2,735 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the average tube diameter, ranging in size from 25 to 65 nm, was found to increase with increasing anodizing voltage, while the length of the tube was found independent of anodization time.
Abstract: Titanium oxide nanotubes were fabricated by anodic oxidation of a pure titanium sheet in an aqueous solution containing 0.5 to 3.5 wt% hydrofluoric acid. These tubes are well aligned and organized into high-density uniform arrays. While the tops of the tubes are open, the bottoms of the tubes are closed, forming a barrier layer structure similar to that of porous alumina. The average tube diameter, ranging in size from 25 to 65 nm, was found to increase with increasing anodizing voltage, while the length of the tube was found independent of anodization time. A possible growth mechanism is presented.
1,975 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the fabrication, properties, and solar energy applications of highly ordered TiO 2 nanotube arrays made by anodic oxidation of titanium in fluoride-based electrolytes are reviewed.
1,905 citations
TL;DR: In this article, self-organized hexagonal pore arrays with a 50-420 nm interpore distance in anodic alumina have been obtained by anodizing aluminum in oxalic, sulfuric, and phosphoric acid solutions.
Abstract: Self-organized hexagonal pore arrays with a 50–420 nm interpore distance in anodic alumina have been obtained by anodizing aluminum in oxalic, sulfuric, and phosphoric acid solutions. Hexagonally ordered pore arrays with distances as large as 420 nm were obtained under a constant anodic potential in phosphoric acid. By comparison of the ordered pore formation in the three types of electrolyte, it was found that the ordered pore arrays show a polycrystalline structure of a few micrometers in size. The interpore distance increases linearly with anodic potential, and the relationship obtained from disordered porous anodic alumina also fits for periodic pore arrangements. The best ordered periodic arrangements are observed when the volume expansion of the aluminum during oxidation is about 1.4 which is independent of the electrolyte. The formation mechanism of ordered arrays is consistent with a previously proposed mechanical stress model, i.e., the repulsive forces between neighboring pores at the metal/oxide interface promote the formation of hexagonally ordered pores during the oxidation process.
1,496 citations
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01 Nov 2011TL;DR: In this paper, the authors focus on topics at the forefront of electrochemical research, such as splitting water by electrolysis, splitting water with visible light, and the recent development of lithium batteries.
Abstract: This book focuses on topics at the forefront of electrochemical research. Splitting water by electrolysis; splitting water by visible light; the recent development of lithium batteries; theoretical approaches to intercalation; and fundamental concepts of electrode kinetics, particularly as applied to semiconductors are discussed. It is recommended for electrochemists, physical chemists, corrosion scientists, and those working in the fields of analytical chemistry, surface and colloid science, materials science, electrical engineering, and chemical engineering.
5,927 citations
TL;DR: A highly ordered metal nanohole array (platinum and gold) was fabricated by a two-step replication of the honeycomb structure of anodic porous alumina that showed a notable color change compared with bulk gold.
Abstract: A highly ordered metal nanohole array (platinum and gold) was fabricated by a two-step replication of the honeycomb structure of anodic porous alumina. Preparation of the negative porous structure of porous alumina followed by the formation of the positive structure with metal resulted in a honeycomb metallic structure. The metal hole array of the film has a uniform, closely packed honeycomb structure approximately 70 nanometers in diameter and from 1 to 3 micrometers thick. Because of its textured surface, the metal hole array of gold showed a notable color change compared with bulk gold.
4,892 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the template method is used to synthesize nanotubules and fibrils of polymers, metals, semiconductors, carbons, and other materials.
Abstract: This paper reviews a relatively new method for preparing nanomaterials: membrane-based synthesis. This method entails the synthesis of the desired material within the pores of a nanoporous membrane. Because the membranes employed contain cylindrical pores of uniform diameter, monodisperse nanocylinders of the desired material, whose dimensions can be carefully controlled, are obtained. These nanocylinders may be either hollow (a tubule) or solid (a fibril or nanowire). We call this approach the “template” method because the pores in the nanoporous membranes are used as templates for forming the desired material. This template method is a very general approach; it has been used to prepare nanotubules and fibrils of polymers, metals, semiconductors, carbons, and other materials.
1,419 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the structural features of the porous type of anodic oxide coating applied to aluminum have been investigated with the electron microscope, and formulas were given for calculating the cell size and pore volume of these coatings.
Abstract: The structural features of the porous type of anodic oxide coating applied to aluminum have been investigated with the electron microscope. These coatings consist of close‐packed cells of oxide, predominately hexagonal in shape, each of which contains a single pore. Pore size is a function of the electrolyte used and is independent of forming voltage. Wall thickness and barrier thickness are primarily a function of forming voltage and are affected to a minor degree by the electrolyte type. Pertinent dimensions of anodic coatings formed in sulfuric acid, oxalic acid, chromic acid, and phosphoric acid electrolytes are presented, and formulas are given for calculating the cell size and pore volume of these coatings.
1,257 citations