Sonochemical assisted synthesis of nano-structured titanium oxide by anodic oxidation

This work describes the effect of electrolyte agitation conditions on the anodic growth of nano-structured titanium oxide on titanium samples of size 20 mm x 10 mm (thickness 2 mm) in an electrolyte containing 0.02 M calcium glycerophosphate (Ca-GP) and 0.15 M calcium acetate (CA). Magnetic stirring and different intensities of ultrasonic waves were applied during anodization. The application of ultrasonic waves during anodization was found to increase the reaction rates; the higher the ultrasonic irradiation power, the faster the growth rate of nano-structured titania. The diameters of the pores created under ultrasonic wave conditions were found to be larger than those of the pores created under magnetic stirring conditions in the corresponding nano-structured titania. An increase in the sonication power to 180, 250, and 350 W resulted in an increase in the density, uniformity and diameters of the pores, respectively. The surface roughness and Ca/P ratio also increased with an increase in the sonication power. It was found that the applied ultrasonic wave could determine the surface morphology, properties and compositions of the anodic oxide films. We believe that sonoelectrochemistry is a simple method to design and synthesize nanostructured titanium oxide for implant applications. (C) 2013 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.