Ultrathin anodic aluminum oxide membranes for production of dense sub-20 nm nanoparticle arrays

U. Malinovskis, R. Poplausks, I. Apsite, R. Meija, J. Prikulis, F. Lombardi, D. Erts

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

24 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

We present a systematic study of membrane structure (pore diameter and arrangement) in anodized aluminum oxide (AAO) layers obtained by anodization voltages 8-20 V in sulfuric and 15-40 V in oxalic acid electrolyte solutions. Anodization of bulk aluminum in sulfuric acid at 10 V potential was found to be optimal for production or ultrathin freestanding membranes with pore diameter in sub-20 nm range. The developed process with slow electrochemical reaction results in AAO membranes with thickness below 70 nm. The minimum required time for formation of continuous AAO membrane was determined and influence of electrolyte concentration on pore diameter in membrane after barrier layer removal analyzed. Finally, we demonstrate a method of membrane transfer onto a different surface and using it for masked deposition of dense nanoparticle arrays with diameters below 20 nm.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)8685-8690
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Physical Chemistry C
Volume118
Issue number16
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 24 Apr 2014
Externally publishedYes

Field of Science*

  • 1.4 Chemical sciences

Publication Type*

  • 1.1. Scientific article indexed in Web of Science and/or Scopus database

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