Double-anode anodization of metal Ti in two beakers

Abstract

Porous anodic TiO2 nanotubes have been widely studied because of their interesting prospects and mysterious mechanism of formation. However, most traditional anodization is done in a single beaker, and few changes have been made to the method by which titanium is anodized. In this study, a double-anode anodizing method involving a wired anode and a wireless anode in two beakers was used for the first time. Nanotubes were found to form at the two anodes. The effect of changing the electrolytes in the two beakers was studied. The current–time curve showed the normal three stages when the electrolytes in both beakers were the same. However, when the electrolytes in the two beakers were different, the time–current curve showed a tendency to decrease, and ginseng-root-shaped nanotubes (where a thick nanotube splits into several thinner nanotubes) appeared at a high voltage (100 V).