Synthesis of oxide nanotubes on Ti13Nb13Zr alloy by the electrochemical method

Surface modification of titanium alloys expands the range of their applicability in medicine, particularly in the form of various implants. Present work reports the results of the electrochemical formation of self-ordered oxide nanotubes on Ti13Nb13Zr alloy. Due to its relatively low Young modulus (77–79 GPa) this alloy can be attractive material for orthopedic application. The experiments were conducted in the (NH4)2SO4 + NH4F electrolyte at room temperature. Anodization of the alloy samples was carried out for 2 h under variable external potential U (in the range from 10 to 45 V) and the current versus time transients were recorded. Obtained surface morphology was investigated by the scanning electron microscopy and the X-ray techniques. The morphological parameters of the obtained nanotubes such as the inner (din) and outer (dout) diameters were determined. The tubes diameter dependence on the voltage of anodization process was derived. The dependence d[nm] = f(U)[V] was established at constant temperature 25 °C. It provides the basis for controlled oxide nanotubes layer growth. It was also demonstrated that these nanotubes exhibit photocatalytic activity.