Fabrication of Titania Nanotubes as Cathode Protection for Stainless Steel

Titania nanotubes were grown from a clean titanium plate by direct anodic oxidation. The as-prepared nanotubes were amorphous and were crystallised at 300 C, which was identified by XRD patterns. Their microstructures and morphologies were investigated by field emission SEM. The photoelectrochemical properties of the annealed nanotubes thin films coupled with 304 stainless steel (304 SS) were studied on an IM6e instrument. A significant photoelectrochemical response effect was seen. The open-circuit potential of the titania nanotube films coupled with 304 SS shifts negatively in the presence of simulated solar light (from a metal halogen lamp) and the polarisation curves reveal that titania nanotube thin films have photocathodic protection properties of 304 SS. 34 refs.