Titania nanotubes prepared by anodization in chloride-containing electrolytes

摘要

A method of preparing titania nanotubes involves anodization of titanium in the presence of chloride ions and at low pH (1-7) in the absence of fluoride. The method leads to rapid production of titania nanotubes of about 25 nm diameter and high aspect ratio. The nanotubes can be organized into bundles and tightly packed parallel arrays. Inclusion of organic acids in the electrolyte solution leads to the incorporation into the nanotubes of up to 50 atom percent of carbon. In a two-stage method, a titanium anode is pre-patterned using a fluoride ion containing electrolyte and subsequently anodized in a chloride ion containing electrolyte to provide more evenly distributed nanotube arrays. The titania nanotubes have uses in composite materials, solar cells, hydrogen production, and as hydrogen sensors.

主权项

1. A method of preparing titania nanotubes, comprising the steps of:
(a) providing a titanium anode and an inert cathode, the anode and cathode in electrical contact through an electrolyte solution comprising chloride, wherein the electrolyte solution comprises a chloride salt selected from the group consisting of ammonium chloride, sodium chloride, and potassium chloride; and (b) establishing a voltage between said anode and said cathode and rapidly forming titania nanotubes at the anode;wherein the titania nanotubes are formed a rate of several tens of micrometers length in 80 seconds.