Effect of a galvanostatic treatment on the preparation of highly ordered TiO(2) nanotubes

This work is intended to define an optimal methodology of preparation of
highly ordered TiO(2) nanotube arrays by a 60V anodization in a glycol
ethylene solution. The effect of the presence of an initial superficial
oxide on the sample, before operating the anodization growth, has been
analysed. The best result has been obtained by a galvanostatic oxide
growth on the titanium sheet, before the anodization process. The
photoconversion efficiency was measured and we have obtained a maximum
value of 12.97%, strictly in line with the literature. We have also
underlined the necessity to operate a heat treatment using only dry
atmosphere.