Physical Properties of TiO2 Nanotubes Grow in Different Electrolytes by Varying Anodizing Parameters

Highly ordered TiO2 nanotubes (TiO2 NTs) were successfully prepared by electrochemical anodization process. Titanium (Ti) foil was anodized at 20V in three different electrolyte; one organic consist on glycerol containing NH4F and water, and two aqueous solution [(NH4)2SO4 and Na2SO4] containing different amount of NH4F at varying anodization time. The TiO2 NTs were characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and UV-Visible spectrophotometer. SEM images shows homogeneous, regular and aligned TiO2 NTs morphology obtained using organic solution, whereas not well nanotubular structure with lower ordering degree was produced in aqueous solution due to the high chemical dissolution rate of titanium dioxide (TiO2) ensured by the high fluoride ions concentration; and by the extended anodization time. From the XRD analysis, the annealed samples at 450 ℃ for 3h indicate apparition of a single anatase phase that exhibits a high optical absorption band edge for the TiO2 NTs developed in glycerol electrolyte where the morphological parameters are well improved.