Effect of solvent on the structural features and the degree of ordering of pore arrays in porous anodic alumina

► We study the effect of solvent on the self-ordering of porous anodic alumina (PAA). ► We obtain ordered PAA by low-field anodization in ethylene glycol (EG) solutions. ► We find a new fracture mode for the PAA films formed in the oxalic acid EG solution. ► We explain the experimental results by the model of field-induced plastic flow.