Pattern formation in nanoporous titania templates

We have carried out a systematic investigation into the formation of nanoscaled patterns in titania (TiO ₂) templates under dc anodization of Ti in HF acid. At lower acid concentrations (around 0.5 wt% HF) either pores or tubes form at the surface of anodized titanium foil. The pores or nanotubes are separated from the bottom Ti layer by a thin barrier layer of TiO ₂. The critical voltage where the transition from pores to tubes occurs has been determined. It is observed that the transition voltage shift towards higher voltages as acid concentration is increased, with pore formation disappearing altogether at high acid concentrations. We have also carried out a systematic investigation into the dependence of pore and tube parameters on the applied dc anodization voltage. Our results indicate that the barrier layer thickness, pore and tube length increase as a function of applied voltage.