Synthesis of TiO₂ Nanotubes and the Effects of Deionized Water on their Surface Morphology and Microstructure

Abstract:

Nanotubes of TiO₂ have been synthesized on titanium metal by DC anodization at 50 V in an EG/NH₄F/D.I. H₂O electrolyte. The anodization apparatus which uses a platinum cathode is unique and designed to allow only for a single-face anodization. The influence of deionized water (D.I. H₂O) on the surface morphology of the nanotubes was investigated using the scanning electron microscope (SEM), while the microstructure before and after calcination was studied using X-ray diffraction technique (XRD). Results show that the surface density and uniformity of the TiO₂ nanotube arrays varies with the percentage of D.I. H₂O in the electrolyte. The best result was obtained at 6% vol D.I. H₂O after calcination. This result is useful since, the surface morphology and microstructure play a vital role in the performance of TiO₂ nanotubes in various applications.

• Periodical: Key Engineering Materials (Volume 718)
• Pages: 51-56
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/KEM.718.51
• Online since: November 2016
• Authors: Emmanuel Nyambod Timah, Sert Kiennork, Pakawat Wongwanwattana, Pratya Thongpanit, Bhunpawatana Kadroon, Buagun Samran*, Udom Tipparach
• Keywords: Anodization, Deionized Water, Microstructure, Surface Morphology, TiO₂ Nanotube

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