Production of nanoporous alumina and surface studies by atomic force microscopy

Abstract

Nanoporous alumina is formed by two-step anodization process on an aluminum foil (99.99 %). Process of anodization allows to generate stable patches of nanoporous alumina and can affect the size and depth of the nanopores. By varying the parameters of anodization process we can control the growth of pores and their size. The properties of alumina film were studied by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The diameters of pores were found to be dependent on the applied voltage. Nanoporous alumina can be used as different membranes, test samples, template for nanostructured materials. The AFM is an appropriate method to study the size and depth of nanopores and periodicity of surface features. © 2013 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht.