Synthesis and crystallization of configurable TiO2 nanostructures through anodization process of moderate concentration of NH4F-based organic electrolyte
TiO _2 nanostructures play a crucial role in various applications, and optimizing their synthesis is essential for tailoring their properties. Herein, we report the anodization of Ti foils using an electrolyte with a mid-high NH _4 F concentration to significantly reduce the synthesis time and obtai...
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| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
IOP Publishing
2025-01-01
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| Series: | Materials Research Express |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1088/2053-1591/ade5f1 |
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| Summary: | TiO _2 nanostructures play a crucial role in various applications, and optimizing their synthesis is essential for tailoring their properties. Herein, we report the anodization of Ti foils using an electrolyte with a mid-high NH _4 F concentration to significantly reduce the synthesis time and obtain diverse nanostructures. The electrolyte consisted of NH _4 F (1.2 wt%), deionized water (2%), and ethylene glycol, with a constant voltage of 30 V applied between the graphite cathode and the Ti foil. Anodization times ranging from 5 s to 6 h led to the formation of distinct morphologies including pits, pores, sponges, tubes, islands, nanobuds, and grass-like structures. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that at 5 s, randomly distributed pits ( ∼9 ± 1 nm) were formed on the surface, which widened with increasing anodization time and evolved into porous structures (~35 ± 13 nm) within 1–8 min. Sponge-like transition phases were detected, followed by the formation of well-defined nanotubes (inner diameter: 64 ± 9 nm; wall thickness: 16 ± 3 nm) in the 20–40 min range. After 1 h, grass-like nanostructures were observed in the tubes. Crystallization into the anatase TiO _2 phase was achieved through heat treatment at 450 °C for 4 h, with a final TiO _2 layer thickness ranging from 321 to 4081 nm. Using a mid-high NH _4 F concentration in the electrolyte significantly reduced the anodization time, while enabling precise control over the TiO _2 nanostructure morphology. These findings provide insights into the rapid fabrication of tailored nanostructures with potential applications in catalysis, photovoltaics, and energy storage. |
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| ISSN: | 2053-1591 |