Influence of solution pH on the electrochemical fabrication of functional metal oxides using a nanoporous alumina template

Abstract

We have investigated the influence of solution pH on the electrochemical fabrication of functional metal oxides, i.e., cuprous oxide (Cu2O) and zinc oxide (ZnO), using a nanoporous alumina template. At a low solution pH of ca. 5 similar to 7, Cu metal was preferentially filled into an alumina template; Cu2O nanorods were formed at solution pH above 8 similar to 10. In the preparation of ZnO using a zinc nitrate solution with a bulk solution pH of 4.3, a ZnO thin film prepared through remote electro-precipitation was observed on the alumina template.