Formation of Self-Organized Nanohole Arrays on Stainless Steels

Abstract

Self-organized nanotubular and nanoporous oxide layers have been reported on a variety of valve metals and their alloys by anodization in fluoride-containing electrolytes due to a wide range of their applications. In addition to valve metals and alloys, the formation of the porous oxide layer is achieved also on stainless steel in a fluoride-containing electrolyte[1]. Nanotubular oxide layers have been formed not only in fluoride-containing electrolytes but also in chloride or perchlorate containing electrolytes. In the case of valve metals, the formation of bundles of nanotubes are fabricated on Ti and W in chloride or perchlorate containing electrolytes whereas the highly ordered nanohole arrays consisting of circular dimple are obtained on stainless steels in perchlorate containing electrolytes[2, 3]. In the present work we examine the formation of nanohole arrays on various stainless steels and report how chemical composition of the steels affect the morphology of nanohole. In addition, the other properties of the stainless steel with nanohole arrays are briefly presented.