Optical and Electrical Properties of TiO2 Nanotubes Grown by Titanium Anodization

Abstract

AbstractIn this work we investigated the structural, electrical, and optical properties of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanotubes (NTs) formed by electrochemical anodization of Ti metal sheets in NH4F+glycerol electrolyte at different anodization voltages (Va) and acid concentrations. Our results revealed that TiO2 NTs can be grown in a wide range of anodization voltages from 10 V to 240 V. The maximum NH4F acid concentration, at which NTs can be formed, decreases with the anodization voltage, which is 0.7% for Va<60V, and decreases to 0.1% at Va =240 V. Glancing angle X-ray diffraction (GAXRD) experiments show that as-grown amorphous TiO2 transforms to anatase phase after annealing at 400 oC, and further transforms to rutile phase at annealing temperatures above 500 oC. Samples grown in 30-120 voltage range have higher crystal quality as seen from anatase (101) peak intensity and reduced linewidth. The electrical resistivity of the NTs varies with Va concentration and increases by eight orders of magnitude when Va increases from 10 V to 240 V. This is consistent with cathodoluminescense studies which showed improved optical properties for samples grown in this voltage range. Optical properties of samples were also studied by low temperature photoluminescence. Temperature dependent I-V and photo-induced current transient spectroscopy were employed to analyze electrical properties and defect structure on NT samples.