Breakdown Anodization (BDA) for hierarchical structures of titanium oxide

Abstract

Breakdown Anodization (BDA) of titanium dioxide is a very promising, fast fabrication method to construct micro-scale and nano-scale structures on titanium surfaces. This method uses environmentally friendly electrolytes, such as nitric acid, and can be fabricated within 30 minutes regardless of substrate size. Because the titanium dioxide is hydrophilic, the micro structured BDA surface exhibits super-hydrophilic properties. BDA surfaces can be applicable to water transport, chromatography, electrospray, and fabrication of hierarchically structured surfaces. In this study we investigate the wicking properties of BDA surfaces and quantify their performance in terms of capillary pressure and capillary spreading speed constant. Further, we investigate the application of BDA surfaces to electrospray for the separation and identification of chemical agents.