Microstructural Observation of Photoelectrochemically Tailored Nano-Honeycomb TiO₂

Abstract

A microscopic investigation of photoelectrochemically etched TiO₂ surface was carried out. The photoelectrochemical etching (photoetching) makes it possible to fabricate a unique structure on the TiO₂ surface. After a prolonged photoetching, a regularly ordered sub micron porous (nano-honeycomb) structure appeared on it. SEM, TEM and AFM examination of the surface revealed that this structure consists of thin and long platelike crystals having (100) crystal face of rutile structure which are interconnected vertically to create deep square hollows.