Insertion of SiO[sub 2] Nanoparticles into Pores of Anodized Aluminum by Electrophoretic Deposition in Aqueous System

Abstract

The fixation of SiO 2 nanoparticles into nanopores arrays of an anodized aluminum (Al 2 O 3 /Al) substrate was carried out using a sol-gel electrophoretic deposition technique in an aqueous SiO 2 sol. Nanosized SiO 2 particles can be easily incorporated into the pores of anodized aluminum prepared in a H 3 PO 4 solution, but not into the pores prepared in a H 2 SO 4 solution because of the difference in the pore diameters. It was confirmed that the particles in suspension were incorporated without applying an electric field. This result was due to the dissimilarity in the surface charges of the particles and anodic oxide film.