Effect of the conditions of anodizing on the morphology of nanotitania

Abstract

The effect the current density, treatment time, surface pretreatment, and electrolyte composition have on the morphology of titania obtained via electrochemical treatment in such ionic liquids (ILs) as 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide [BMIM][NTf₂] and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride [BMIM]Cl is studied. The anodic formation of titania nanostructures in the form of nanotubes or nanorods is found to occur in times of up to 100 s. The role of water in the formation of these titania nanostructures is shown. Pretreatment has no effect on the morphology of the formed oxide. The formation of products that are poorly soluble in ILs (e.g., hydrated oxides) results in the emergence of a layer partially covering the open parts of nanotubes, preventing their further growth.