A review of anodic TiO2 nanostructure formation in high-temperature phosphate-based organic electrolytes: Properties and applications

Abstract

In the present review, we provide an overview of the research trend of anodic TiO2 nanostructures. To date, most anodic TiO2nanostructure formation has focused on the fluoride ion electrolyte system to form nanotube layers. Recently, a novel approachthat describes the formation of thick, self-organized TiO2 nanostructures was reported. These layers can be prepared on Timetal by anodization in a hot organic/K2HPO4 electrolyte. This nanostructure consists of a strongly interlinked network of nanosizedTiO2, and thus provides a considerably higher specific surface area than that of using anodic TiO2 nanotubes. This reviewdescribes the formation mechanism and novel properties of the new nanostructures, and introduces potential applications.