Synthesis and characterization of TiO2 nanotube arrays

Abstract

Ti02 is a versatile material that has found applications in a diverse range of devices and applications such as solar cells, photocatalysts, gas sensors, photovoltaics, hydrogen storage, Li-ion batteries etc. In recent years, highly-ordered onedimensional Ti02 nanotubes have attracted much attention due to their distinctive properties in these advanced functional devices. In this study, vertically aligned Ti02 nanotubes were synthesized by anodizing a Ti foil in a non-aqueous electrolyte containing ethylene glycol (97.5 wt.%), NH4F (2 wt.%) and deionized (DI) water (0.5 wt.%). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to characterize the morphology of prepared nanotubes. Preliminary results showed the formation of tubular structures with a diameter of 1.315 jim and the wall thickness of 209.1 nm. The results indicate that the morphology of the nanotubes depends on the anodization voltage, anodization time and electrolyte composition. In this study, it is expected to establish a relationship between the nanotube morphology with anodization time, anodization voltage and electrolyte composition. The outcome of this study will enable the synthesis of Ti02 nanotube structures with tailored morphologies, for possible applications in a wide range of advanced functional devices.