Anodic-biased titania nanotube growth in low-dielectric viscous media

The influence was investigated of aqueous electrolytes and organic-based electrolytes on nanopore growth. To create well-defined nanotubes with a high aspect ratio, it is important to maintain equilibrium between field-assisted metal oxide dissolution and field-assisted water dissociation, which influence the temperature and pH levels in TiO2 nanotubes (TiO2 NTs). This sought after balance in the net reactions of the TiO2 NT growth can be achieved by choosing the appropriate electrolytes that are a relatively low dielectric viscous media. Viscosity (η) and dielectrics (ϵ) can be a priority in designing the experiment since it is closely related to joule-heating, diffusion-driven metal ions dissolution and chemical etching of the metal oxide. Solvation and the hydrogen bonding ability are inter-correlated to the stability of the [TiF6]2– complex. In order to examine various electrolyte effects on the anodic-biased nanotube, different categories of electrolytes, each with different viscosity and dielectric properties, were incorporated in this study.