Time-dependent structural evolution of TiO 2 nanotubes anodized in viscous chlorine electrolyte

Nanotubes are 1-D cylindrical structures with increased surface-to-volume ratio and high mechanical strength. The combination of a high surface-to-volume ratio with unique electrical, chemical and physical properties encourages the application of nanotubes in areas that include photocatalysis, water splitting, sensors and the fabrication of solar cells. Anodization is an electrochemical process that is used to synthesize or alter the oxide layer over the surface of a metal. Anodization of titanium with the controlled addition of etchants such as F or Cl under proper electrolytic conditions leads to the synthesis of nanotubes. In this study, the synthesis was conducted in a chlorinated glycerol and ethylene glycol mixed electrolyte. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of Cl-ions and the anodization time on the morphology of the nanotubes. A wide range of analytical techniques have been used to study the physical properties of nanotubes.