Three-dimensional Imaging of Anatase Planes in TiO2 Nanotubes by Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD)
EMSL Project ID
44706
Abstract
Anodization of titanium foils in fluoride containing electrolytes results in ordered anatase TiO2 nanotubes with wall thickness from 10-40 nm, diameter of 100-200 nm. These nanotubes can be grown up to several microns in length. These nanotubes are amorphous after anodization and crystallize in anatase phase after heat treatment in air at 450oC for 3 hours. Transmission electron microscopy selective area electron diffraction in literature showed that nanotubes are predominantly 101 planes. However, the order upon which the nanotubes are built, its crystallographic texture has yet to be studied. Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) combined with progressive surface milling presents a way to generate a three-dimensional image of the nanotube walls with information on the grain size and orientation of crystal planes. Knowing the orientation of crystal planes will enable better understanding of electronic behavior, reactivity to the environment, and possible defects. In addition, EBSD analysis on samples heat treated above and below the anatase crystallization temperature will show the transformation of anatase into rutile and development of anatase from amorphous structure, respectively.
Project Details
Project type
Exploratory Research
Start Date
2011-10-04
End Date
2012-10-07
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator
Related Publications
Mercado CC, FJ Knorr, JL McHale, SM Usmani, AS Ichimura, and LV Saraf. 2012. "Location Of Hole And Electron Traps On Nanocrystalline Anatase TiO2." Journal of Physical Chemistry C 116(19):10796-10804.