Abstract
Mesoporous silica is formed by high-potential anodisation of single-crystal silicon in dilute fluoride electrolyte of neutral pH and low buffer strength. A quantitative study of the morphologies obtained as a function of the preparation conditions on rotating-disk silicon electrodes has been performed, using optical and scanning electron microscopy, followed by image processing. For anodisation potentials below 15 V, the mesoporous material exhibits a homogeneous structure. At higher potentials, macrostructures consisting of micron-size depressions appear. Upon further potential increases, these depressions turn to self-organised circular “bowls”, then coalesce, forming labyrinth patterns, whose aspect ratio goes through a maximum at around 40–50 V anodisation potential. The morphology map is somewhat sensitive to fluoride concentration and electrode rotation rate. The macrostructures can be understood as a consequence of the local pH lowering associated with oxygen evolution.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
