Hierarchical nanoporous anodic alumina templates by asymmetric two-step anodization

An asymmetric two-step anodization process is used to fabricate hierarchical nanoporous anodic alumina templates (HNAATs) with different geometric characteristics. This nanostructure consists of an outer hexagonal lattice of concavities in the interior of which pores grow. The anodization conditions (anodization voltage, and type and concentration of the acid electrolyte) between the first and the second step are considerably varied to obtain different types of templates. Two growth regimes (mild and hard), three types of acid electrolytes (phosphoric, oxalic and sulphuric) and three acid electrolyte concentrations (0.3, 0.2 and 0.1 M) are combined. In addition, the voltage ratio between the second and the first step of the anodization process is ranged from 0.11 to 0.71. By modifying these parameters, it is possible to control the fabrication process and obtain HNAATs with a wide range of morphologies. (C) 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim