Enhanced self-ordering of anodic ZrO2 nanotubes in inorganic and organic electrolytes using two-step anodization

Abstract

This work reports on the optimized growth of self-ordered Zr2 nanotubes in inorganic water-based and organic electrolyte systems containing small amounts of fluoride employing a two-step anodization process. We show how surface pretreatments of the metallic Zr substrate can drastically improve the growth and morphology of the resulting anodic ZrO2nanotube arrays. Using two step anodization and employing organic electrolytes, highly regular and ordered nanotubular ZrO2 oxide layers can be grown to significantly increased tube lengths compared with aqueous electrolytes. © 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.