An electron microscopy three‐dimensional characterization of titania nanotubes. Issue 3 (8th October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Andrzejczuk, Mariusz; Rasiński, Marcin; Roguska, Agata; Pisarek, Marcin; Lewandowska, Malgorzata
• Is Part Of: Microscopy research and technique. Volume 82:Issue 3(2019)
• Page Start: 173
• Page End: 177
• Publication Date: 2018-10-08
• Subjects: electron tomography -- FIB sectioning -- titania nanotubes -- 3D structure; Electron microscopy -- Technique -- Periodicals; Microscopy -- Periodicals; Microscopy -- Technique -- Periodicals; 502.825
• DOI: 10.1002/jemt.23093
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1059-910X

Abstract

Abstract: To characterize complex, three‐dimensional nanostructures, modern microscopy techniques are needed, such as electron tomography and focused ion beam (FIB) sectioning. The aim of this study was to apply these two techniques to characterize TiO2 nanotubes in terms of their size, shape, volume, porosity, geometric surface area, and specific surface area (SSA). For these experiments, titania nanotubes were fabricated by means of the electrochemical oxidation of titanium at a voltage of 20 V for 2 hr followed by heat treatment at 450°C for 3 hr to change the amorphous structure into a crystalline anatase structure. The quantitative data obtained from the FIB and electron tomography reconstructions show a high similarity in porosity and some differences in SSA. These might be the result of differences in resolution between the two reconstruction techniques. Abstract : The resolution of electron tomography method is better than FIB sectioning that might influence on quantitative data like SSA. FIB sectioning allows to visualize 3D structure of much larger volume than electron tomography method. FIB sectioning and electron tomography are complementary techniques for characterizing nanostructured materials such as nanotube layers.