TiO2 nanotubular and nanoporous arrays by electrochemical anodization on different substrates

Abstract

The preparation of nanotubular arrays on different substrates and nanoporous structures on titanium foil by means of electrochemical anodization of titanium layer has been investigated. Highly aligned nanotubes of TiO₂ on flexible, rough and flat substrates are reported. Modification of anodization conditions of titanium on specific substrates such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), conducting glass and granular alumina was found to affect the morphology of TiO₂ nanotubes. Two different kinds of aqueous electrolytes have been applied, containing either glycerol or H₂SO₄, in order to investigate the effect of ion mobility on anodization process. Galvanostatic and potentiostatic anodization modes have been investigated: transition from nanotubes to nanoporous structures has been highlighted in galvanostatic mode, depending on the intensity of anodization current density. These results pave the way for massive production of TiO₂ nanotubes over, in principle, whatever substrate, enabling exploitation of new functional properties derived from the combination of tubes and substrates.