Fabrication of TiO 2 Nanotanks Embedded in a Nanoporous Alumina Template

International audienceThe feasibility of surface nanopatterning with TiO 2 nanotanks embedded in a nanoporous alumina template was investigated. Self-assembled anodized aluminium oxide (AAO) template, in conjunction with sol gel process, was used to fabricate this nanocomposite object. Through hydrolysis and condensation of the titanium alkoxide, an inorganic TiO 2 gel was moulded within the nanopore cavities of the alumina template. The nanocomposite object underwent two thermal treatments to stabilize and crystallize the TiO 2. The morphology of the nanocomposite object was characterized by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM). The TiO 2 nanotanks obtained have cylindrical shapes and are approximately 69 nm in diameter with a tank-to-tank distance of 26 nm. X-ray diffraction analyses performed by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) with selected area electron diffraction (SAED) were used to investigate the TiO 2 structure. The optical properties were studied using UV-Vis spectroscopy