Electrolyte Factors Influencing Separated Pore Growth of Anodic TiO2 Nanotube Arrays

This work presents an investigation of electrolyte properties in relation to the growth of TiO2 nanotube array films, particularly concerning the measurement of conductivity in the diethylene glycol hydrofluoric -water electrolyte system. The work aims to elucidate the behavior of ions in the anodized electrolytes with a better insight into the relation between molar conductivity and concentration of the additives. Differing solvation of the fluoride ion in various composition of water in the DEG-H2O mixture is attributed to the major factor determining the capability of proton transfer, controlling the ionic mobilities and the molar conductivities. Applying the feature of the two-factorial experiment has demonstrated a clear interaction of electrolyte parameters and titanium concentration dissolving into the electrolyte, which is believed to be a combination effect on pore widening and separating of nanotubes. A proposed schematic drawing has been demonstrated, summarizing how the nanotube arrays are constructed as a consequence of varying electrolyte type and composition.