Growth of alumina oxide nanowires in an aluminum anodization process

Abstract

Alumina oxide nanowires were grown via a two-step anodization of aluminum foil. A growth mechanism is proposed for these nanowires which is different from that of those formed using chemical etching methods. An electric field and stress are necessary to grow these nanowires, and the nano-imprinted metal surface of the aluminum foil has an important role. © 2011 The Author(s).