NANOXID

NanoPorous Anodic Oxides for Functionalization of Metal Surfaces

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The project examines the mechanisms of formation of nanoporous anodic oxides. Nanoporous anodic oxides are important to the protection of metals against corrosion and wear. They have attracted renewed interest due to the potential for long range ordering of pores, with applications in nanotechnological systems. Currently, long-range pore order is achieved empirically. However, the proper understanding of growth mechanisms will enable systematic tailoring of oxide properties. The researcher will participate in a collaborative activity, involving the host organization, The University of Manchester, and Institut des NanoSciences de Paris, located within Universités Paris 7 et 6. The experimental work will focus on the relative contributions of oxide dissolution and oxide flow in the generation and ordering of pores. It will adopt tracer procedures, newly-developed in Manchester, with precise determination of compositions, morphologies and structures of porous oxides by a wide range of surface analytical and electron microscopy tools. These will include ion beam analyses, using facilities in Paris, with new methods of data analysis by multi-spectrum fitting. The researcher will be integrated into a large Light Metals activity, providing excellent opportunities for career development, including personal skills, networking, research management, supervision, and international collaboration. Further, the experimental programme provides a major diversification of the researcher's expertise and experience.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Nano-surface treatments are important for protecting metals against corrosion and wear. The focus is on nano-porous anodic oxides and their potential application in nanotechnological systems.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Porous anodic oxides are attracting increasing attention for use in photonic crystals, sensors and solar cells. They are also important for optimising the function of metal surfaces. Applications include aluminium in aerospace, electronics and packaging, and any areas where energy reduction and the environmental compliance of processes are critical considerations.

The 'Nano-porous anodic oxides for functionalisation of metal surfaces' (Nanoxid) project studies the mechanisms involved in the formation of nano-porous anodic oxides. Researchers are taking part in a collaborative activity bringing together the host organisation, the University of Manchester, and the Institut des NanoSciences de Paris.

Experimental work aims to uncover how oxide dissolution and oxide flow contribute to the generation and ordering of pores. Long-range pore order is currently achieved empirically.

The key features of this project include experiments using 18O as a tracer species to study the transport of oxygen while growing oxide films. Another is the use of multi-spectrum analysis to help with quantifying nuclear data. To date, findings reveal a major redistribution of the 18O as the porous film evolves, which correlates with the evolution of the porous structure.

Overall, the project's findings will contribute greatly to understanding porous oxide growth by anodising. In turn, this will benefit the future development of improved porous oxides for a range of applications currently being researched. Also, work done by Nanoxid will support the use of the oxide in other areas where more economic and environmentally friendly processes are required, including enhanced film performance.