Fabrication of Low Cost Membrane from Anodic Aluminum Oxide

Abstract

Anodic Aluminum Oxide (AAO) membrane has been successfully fabricated from two-step anodization with aluminum low grade (Al6061). The pore density, the pore diameter, and the interpore distance can be controlled by varying anodization process conditions. However, there are limits to control the mechanical strength and growth of AAO arrays, such as pore density, pore diameter and interpore distance. In this research the self-organized two-step anodization is carried out varying time at 24, 48 and 72 hours, respectively with 40V at the low temperature 2-5°C. The optimum conditions of AAO with two-step anodization is 40V for 48 hr. Finally, AAO substrate is separated from aluminum low-grade and enlarged pore diameter with pore widening process by 5% H3PO4. The physical properties were investigated by mean of field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) show that the average pore diameter and average interpore distance increase with the anodization time. Al6061 Aluminum substrate can be used to fabricate a nanoporous AAO film with an average pore diameter and average interpore distance larger than 70 and 90 nanometers, respectively but less mechanical stability.