Abstract
The anodization of aluminum is an electro-chemical process that changes the surface chemistry of the metal, via oxidation, to produce an anodic oxide layer. During this process a self organized, highly ordered array of cylindrical shaped pores can be produced with controllable pore diameters, periodicity and density distribution. This enables anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membranes to be used as templates in a variety of nanotechnology applications without the need for expensive lithographical techniques. This review article is an overview of the current state of research on AAO membranes and the various applications of nanotechnology that use them in the manufacture of nano-materials and devices or incorporate them into specific applications such as biological/chemical sensors, nano-electronic devices, filter membranes and medical scaffolds for tissue engineering.
Highlights
The anodization process of metals has been used by industry to protect metal components from corrosion for approximately 90 years
Nanotechnology research to a large extent is focused on the controlled fabrication of functional nano-scale structures and devices
Aluminum metal (Al) anodization is a relatively inexpensive electro-chemical and controllable process that allows the self-assembly process to dictate the development of porosity, mechanical properties and morphology of the anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membrane
Summary
Nanotechnology research to a large extent is focused on the controlled fabrication of functional nano-scale structures and devices. One of the most important aspects of self-assembly lies in the capability of producing uniform structures over a large area using inexpensive chemical or biological processes. Al anodization is a relatively inexpensive electro-chemical and controllable process that allows the self-assembly process to dictate the development of porosity, mechanical properties and morphology of the AAO membrane. These membranes with their cylindrical pore geometry can be used as a template for the fabrication of nanostructures and nano-scale devices. While Martin et al has discussed the application of AAO membranes in molecular filters [111]
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