Structural and morphological engineering of TiO2 nanotube arrays on Ti-plate

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of voltage and duration on the structural and morphological characteristics of highly ordered TiO 2 nanotube arrays (TNTA) fabricated by electrochemical anodization. The TNTAs are synthesized from high-purity titanium metal at ambient temperature, employing various voltages and durations (40 V for 2 h, 40 V for 4 h, 60 V for 2 h, and 60 V for 4 h). The examinations for the structural order are performed by surface roughness measurement, and crystallography employed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and Voronoi diagram analysis. The results demonstrate that anodization at 40 V for 4 h produces the most uniform and well-aligned nanotube arrays, exhibiting the lowest surface roughness (5.68 nm) and the highest degree of spatial ordering (40.1% hexagonality). This TNTA exhibits a higher proportion of the anatase phase, superior crystallinity, and reduced surface roughness compared to other samples. Voronoi analysis indicated that 40 V for 4 h exhibits significantly better structural order compared to other samples. Anodization factors must be meticulously considered to optimize the configuration, order, and structural stability of TNTAs. This approach provides a streamlined, safe, and cost-effective method for producing high-quality TNTAs, with significant potential for energy conversion, catalysis, and sensing systems applications.