Preparation of highly oriented titania nanosheet thin films by electrophoretic deposition

Highly oriented titania nanosheet thin films on Pt substrate were fabricated by electrophoretic deposition. The structure and morphology of thin films formed under a variety of conditions are characterized by X-ray diffraction and field-emission scanning electron microscopy. It was found that the quality of titania nanosheet precursor suspension and electrode potential play crucial roles in the film morphology. After the colloidal suspension is optimized by settling for 2 months, the surface of the deposited film is smooth, and the layered structure is dense and well-organized. Film thickness increases with increasing electrode potential, deposition temperature and deposition time. The delicate balance among the above factors that govern the film quality and thickness should be discerned. The films can exhibit a smooth surface and well-organized layered structure under the optimal deposition conditions.