(201v) TiO2 Nanotubes: Design and Structure Optimization

The use of titanium oxide nanotubes as a bioactive coating for titanium joint implants is a quickly growing field. This paper details a common method with improved and effective adjustments for consistently creating TiO₂ nanotubes via anodic oxidation. The procedure involves utilizing an electrolyte solution containing 1 wt% water, 0.35 wt% ammonium fluoride, and the remainder ethylene glycol. This solution is placed in a specialized housing with a Ti sample. Running an electric current through the system produces TiO₂ nanotubes on the sample via anodic oxidation. Nanotubes with varying diameters are consistently produced by manipulating the voltage running through the system. The results go as follows:

• 10 V ~ 20 nm diameter tubes
• 20 V ~ 30 nm diameter tubes
• 30 V ~ 50 nm diameter tubes
• 40 V ~ 60 nm diameter tubes

Another section to this paper involves successfully producing multiple samples simultaneously through a process known as bulk anodization. This procedure involves a specialized housing in which 5 samples were concurrently tested using an electrolyte solution containing 2.5 wt% water, 0.55 wt% ammonium fluoride, and the remainder ethylene glycol. The samples were run for 30 minutes at 60 volts. The results of the bulk anodization go as follows:

• Sample 1 ~ 97 nm diameter tubes, 10.0 nm wall thickness, 14.3 μm long
• Sample 2 ~ 102 nm diameter tubes, 9.2 nm wall thickness, 13.8 μm long
• Sample 3 ~ 102 nm diameter tubes, 10.1 nm wall thickness, 13.6 μm long
• Sample 4 ~ 100 nm diameter tubes, 10.8 nm wall thickness, 14.5 μm long
• Sample 5 ~ 103 nm diameter tubes, 9.9 nm wall thickness, 14.9 μm long