Highly self-ordered nanochannel TiO2 structures by anodization in a hot glycerol electrolyte

Abstract

In the present work, we report on the self-organized growth of TiO₂ layers consisting of a highly aligned nanochannel morphology. We show that an electrochemical anodization process of Ti in a hot glycerol/K₂HPO₄ electrolyte can be adjusted to yield these self-organized TiO₂ structures. The channel diameter and length are controllable by the anodization parameters. This directional structure can, for example, find application in dye-sensitized solar cells.