Self-aligned TiO2 nanotube arrays produced by air-cathode as electrode

Air-cathodes were used to produce TiO2 nanotube arrays. The effects of pH, voltage and degradation of air-cathode in tailoring the morphologies of TiO2 nanotube arrays were investigated. Preliminary results show that TiO2 nanotubes could be formed and are comparable to those produced by platinum electrodes under similar conditions. The lengths and diameters of TiO2 nanotube arrays obtained are in the range of 1.0–2.2 μm and 40–150 nm, respectively. It is found that the rate of formation of the nanotubes is closely related to the pH of the solution. Air-cathodes are found to have relative low values of mass loss rates.

• Metal-air system to produce TiO2 nanotube arrays.
• Air-cathodes as cathode electrode.
• pH and voltage related to morphologies of TiO2 nanotube arrays.
• TiO2 nanotubes are comparable to platinum electrodes.