Self‐organized TiO₂ nanotubes: Factors affecting their morphology and properties

Abstract

Self-organized oxide nanostructures grown by controlled anodic oxidation of a metal substrate attracted wide scientific interest due to a broad number of potential applications. The present work gives an overview on growth principles and mechanistic aspects of self-organized TiO 2 nanotubular layers and related transition metal oxide nanostructures. In particular, key electrochemical factors that control tube geometry and routes to fabricate advanced TiO 2 nanotube geometries and morphologies are discussed.

One-Dimensional Titanium Dioxide Nanomaterials: Nanotubes

“…Furthermore, also some chloride or perchlorate containing electrolytes 134,154,155 can be used to grow anodic TiO 2 nanotubes -however, this type of tubes typically grows in the form of bundles on the Ti surface (see Figure 6.g) 156,157 . These tubes usually can reach few tens to few hundreds micrometer length within tens of seconds.…”

Preparation of near micrometer-sized TiO2 nanotube arrays by high voltage anodization

“…Since the first demonstration of self-ordered anodic TiO 2 nanotube in a fluoride containing electrolyte by Zwilling and co-workers in 1999 [13], tremendous research on the structural design and investigation of anodic TiO 2 nanotubes have been pursued. Overall, about three generations of electrolytes have been developed to prepare TiO 2 nanotubes array on Ti foil [14][15][16]: The first-generation electrolyte is an aqueous HF-based electrolyte, in which the thickness of TiO 2 nanotube arrays is limited to 500-600 nm [17]. The second-generation electrolyte, buffered neutral aqueous electrolytes with additions of fluoride salts, allows creation of much taller TiO 2 nanotubes to the regime of 3-4 μm [18].…”

Anodized TiO2 Nanotubes: Effect of anodizing time on film length, morphology and photoelectrochemical properties

“…2d) and becomes very significant after 2 h (Fig. 2e), leading to the formation of spikes [20] or clusters of NTs and therefore to a substantial change in the morphology of the anodic film.…”