Microstructural observation of photoelectrochemically tailored nano-honeycomb TiO2

A microscopic investigation of photoelectrochemically etched TiO2 surface w as carried out. The photoelectrochemical etching (photoetching) makes it po ssible to fabricate a unique structure on the TiO2 surface. After a prolong ed photoetching, a regularly ordered sub micron porous (nano-honeycomb)stru cture appeared on it. SEM, TEM and AFM examination of the surface revealed that this structure consists of thin and long platelike crystals having (10 0) crystal face of rutile structure which are interconnected vertically to create deep square hollows.