Self-Ordering of Cell Arrangement in Porous Anodic Alumina

Abstract

A convincing interpretation to hexagonal prism ordered-arrangement and self-ordering cell in porous anodic alumina (PAA) is absent up to now. Based on the growth model of oxygen bubble mould effect (OBME) for PAA, a satisfactory explanation for the growth process of hexagonal cells is proposed. The columnar pores and hexagonal cells result from the oxide growth embracing oxygen bubbles. The avalanche electron multiplication at critical thickness dc leads to electronic current which gives rise to the evolution of oxygen gas under anion-contaminated alumina (ACA) layer. The holes on the surface are usually irregular whereas the pores under the surface layer (ACA layer) are big and regular. The thickness of the barrier oxide layer remains constant due to continuous releasing of the oxygen bubbles at the critical thickness. The self-ordering of cell arrangement and the ordered morphology are related to the dissolving process of the ACA layer on PAA surface.