Characterization of modified titanium surfaces by anodisation and immersion tests.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Surface Chemistry
• Electrochemistry

Background:

• Titanium dioxide (TiO2) films are crucial in various applications.
• Understanding the influence of film morphology on surface properties is essential.
• Anodisation is a key technique for tailoring TiO2 film characteristics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the distinct features of nanoporous and compact TiO2 films.
• To investigate the impact of different immersion media on film properties.
• To correlate film morphology with observed wettability changes.

Main Methods:

• Titanium anodisation under two conditions.
• Immersion tests in H2O, H3PO4, and KOH for 20 days.
• Characterization using FESEM, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, contact angle, and XPS.

Main Results:

• Nanoporous TiO2 films exhibited hydrophobic behavior, becoming less hydrophobic after immersion.
• Compact TiO2 films displayed superhydrophilic surfaces, except when exposed to H3PO4.
• Unusual cone-shaped particles on compact films may promote -OH adsorption and anatase formation.

Conclusions:

• Film morphology significantly dictates surface wettability.
• Compact TiO2 films offer stable superhydrophilicity, with potential applications in surface-sensitive technologies.
• The interaction with acidic media can degrade TiO2 films, impacting their properties.