Anodic growth of nanoporous tin oxide layers in acidic electrolytes

Abstract

The aim of this work was to synthesize SnO2 nanostructures with various morphologies by simple anodic oxidation (anodization) of metallic tin in acidic electrolytes. A series of Sn foil anodizations was performed in different electrolytes (oxalic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid) with various concentrations. It was confirmed that anodic oxidation of tin in the oxalic acid results in the formation of nanoporous oxide layers with completely open pores on the surface of the electrode. On the other hand, when citric acid or tartaric acid were used as an electrolyte, porous oxide with a compact layer on the surface was formed during electrolysis.