The formation of micrometer-long TiO2 nanotube arrays by anodization of titanium film on conducting glass substrate

Abstract

Micrometer-long titanium oxide nanotube arrays, tens of nanometers in diameter, were fabricated by anodization of titanium film coated on a conducting glass substrate. The Ti film was deposited by magnetron sputtering at room temperature. The effect of anodizing conditions on the formation of TiO 2 nanotubes was investigated. The results indicate that dense and uniform Ti film deposited under 150 W at room temperature was favorable for the formation of ordered nanotube arrays. The average diameter of the TiO 2 nanotubes varied from 35 to 95 nm when the anodization potential changed from 10 to 40 V. Micrometer-long nanotubes (1.1 μm) with good adhesion to the substrate could be obtained in 0.5 wt% NH 4 F/glycerol at 30 V for 2 h. After heat treatment, the crystalline anatase nanotubes show enhanced photoelectrochemical activity compared with those anodized in 1 M H 3 PO 4/0.5 wt% HF. This is attributed to the increased light-harvesting abilities.