Abstract
This work presents an investigation of electrolyte properties in relation to the growth of TiO2 nanotube array films, particularly concerning the measurement of conductivity in the diethylene glycol hydrofluoric -water electrolyte system. The work aims to elucidate the behavior of ions in the anodized electrolytes with a better insight into the relation between molar conductivity and concentration of the additives. Differing solvation of the fluoride ion in various composition of water in the DEG-H2O mixture is attributed to the major factor determining the capability of proton transfer, controlling the ionic mobilities and the molar conductivities. Applying the feature of the two-factorial experiment has demonstrated a clear interaction of electrolyte parameters and titanium concentration dissolving into the electrolyte, which is believed to be a combination effect on pore widening and separating of nanotubes. A proposed schematic drawing has been demonstrated, summarizing how the nanotube arrays are constructed as a consequence of varying electrolyte type and composition.
