Fabrication of Alumina Membrane Using Anodic Oxidation Process

Abstract

Anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membrane was made of aluminum sheet (99.6%, 0.2 mm thickness). The regular array of hexagonal nano pores or channels were prepared by two step anodization process. A detail description of the AAO fabrication is presented. After the 1st anodization in oxalic acid (0.3 M) at 45 V, The formed AAO was removed by etching in a solution of 6 wt% <TEX>$H_3$</TEX><TEX>$PO_4$</TEX>＋1.8 wt% <TEX>$H_2$</TEX><TEX>$CrO_4$</TEX>. The regular arrangement of the pores was obtained by the 2nd anodization, which was carried out in the same condition as the 1st anodization. Subsequently, the alumina barrier layer at the bottom of the channel layer was removed in phosphoric acid (1M) after removing of aluminum. Pore diameter, density, and thickness could be controlled by the anodization process parameters such as applied voltage, anodizing time, pore widening time, etc. The pore diameter is proportional to the applied voltage and pore widening time. The pore density and thickness can be controlled by anodization temperature and voltage.