Recent Advances in the Synthesis of Self Organised TiO2 Nanotubes Layers using a Novel Heterocycle Compound in the Electrolyte

Abstract

The study investigates the anodization parameters affecting the fabrication of TiO₂ nanotubes using a novel organic electrolyte containing an enaminone heterocycle compound dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide and Fluoric Acid at different water content (0, 5, 10, 20%). The evolution of nanotube morphology in freshly prepared and previously used electrolyte is investigated using scanning electron microscopy and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy. The so-obtained nanostructure showed a clear spiral shape achieved in a merely 4 h of anodisation time. Previous work of Yoriya et al. Shokufar et al. reported a similar spiral morphology, in similar conditions, but obtained in an anodisation time of 40 h. The results showed that the addition of enaminone compound to the electrolyte increased the conductivity of electrolytes, and then promoted the growth of nanotubes in a shorter time with improving the properties. In addition, an insight into interaction and solvation effect in the anodization electrolyte, particularly elucidating how electrolyte history has a strong effect on the anodization process.