Optimization\nof Nanostructure and Characterization:\nAnodization of TiO<sub>2</sub> in the Polyethylene Glycol-Based Electrolyte

The homogeneity and stability of the structure of anodic\nTiO<sub>2</sub> nanotube (ATNT) arrays have been a hot topic in materials\nsynthesis research. In this work, the current density distribution\nduring the anodization of ATNT arrays was optimized by adding polyethylene\nglycol-600 (PEG-600) to the conventional ethylene glycol-based electrolyte,\nwhich enhanced the dependence of the electronic current on the applied\nvoltage, thus providing a stabilizing effect on anodization and improving\nthe homogeneity of the pores on the surface of ATNT arrays. A new\nimage processing approach, called the region-growing method, is reported\nin this work, which can quantitatively analyze the pore size of ATNT\narrays through SEM images, and the surface morphology of ATNT arrays\nwas evaluated based on this. The most stable anodization was obtained\nwith a 50 wt % PEG-600 addition, and the equivalent diameters of the\npores prepared at applied voltages of 40, 50, and 60 V were 34.5340,\n42.4010, and 50.4791 nm, respectively, with a linear correlation of\n0.9999.