Alternating current electrophoretic deposition (EPD) of TiO2 nanoparticles in aqueous suspensions

TiO(2)-nanostructured coatings from aqueous suspensions have been successfully prepared by the application of alternating current (AC) instead of direct current (DC) during electrophoretic deposition (EPD). No organic additives in suspension were required for successful EPD. The quality of the AC-EPD TiO(2) coatings in terms of homogeneity and extent of microcracking, upon drying, observed by SEM, was superior to that of DC-EPD coatings made from the same type of suspensions. The main difference between AC- and DC-EPD was the suppression of bubble formation. The absence of water electrolysis at the electrodes can be explained by the particular distribution of the electric field during AC mode, which prevents the nucleation of bubbles. The preparation of TiO(2) coatings from aqueous suspension and without the aid of organic stabilizers opens the possibility for co-deposition of sensitive materials such as biomolecules and even cells for biomedical applications, given the high biocompatibility of TiO(2). The deposition of TiO(2) coatings from aqueous suspensions is also attractive from environmental and economical points of view.