Self-ordered porous anodic TiO2 nanotubes and other porous anodic oxides (PAO) have received considerable attention because of their potential for high technological application in a number of fields. The anodization of valve metals has been widely investigated over the last eight decades. The formation mechanisms of hexagonal cells and nanotubes, however, have remained unclear until now. Simply reviewing the mechanisms of PAO formation was not the aim of this research and we were more interested in reviewing the forming processes of compact anodic oxides (CAO) and investigating the relationship between the PAO and CAO, to better understand the pore generating mechanisms. The present work introduces the differences between PAO and CAO films, as well as reviewing the traditional theories of PAO films and their deficiencies. Recent progress in the formation mechanism of PAO, including the viscous flow, breakdown, equifield strength, and oxygen bubbles models has been reviewed in detail. The perspective on future developments for the PAO forming mechanism has been tentatively discussed. Based on sufficient analysis of the latest findings, it has been proposed that several approaches may be employed for investigating the pore forming and self-ordering mechanisms. These new approaches include ultrasound-assisted anodizing, anodizing under vacuum or high pressure and adding sodium carbonate or [Review]
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.