Open AccessLIPSS‐Sticks: Laser Induced Double Self Organization Enhances the Broadband Light Absorption of TiO 2 Nanotube Arrays
Author(s) -
Arul Rakesh,
Dong Junzhe,
Simpson M. Cather,
Gao Wei
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
advanced photonics research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2699-9293
DOI - 10.1002/adpr.202000133
Subject(s) - materials science , anodizing , laser , titanium dioxide , visible spectrum , titanium , nanostructure , nanotube , nanotechnology , grating , optoelectronics , wavelength , optics , composite material , carbon nanotube , metallurgy , aluminium , physics
Sub‐wavelength laser‐induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) created by ultrashort pulsed laser irradiation on the surface of titanium are used for the first time to template the electrochemical growth of titanium dioxide nanotube arrays, creating a combined structure we term LIPSS‐Sticks. This is an example of a double self‐organized process, as both LIPSS formation and electrochemical anodization involve spontaneous generation of order from initially nonordered precursors. LIPSS‐Sticks have a 2× greater visible to near‐infrared light (400–1400 nm) collection efficiency compared with flat titanium dioxide due to the enhanced light scattering from grating‐like structures. The growth of nanostructures with time is modeled electrostatically to explain the features of a templated anodization process that differ from the usual anodization of flat surfaces. This new templated growth method using two complementary fabrication techniques is general and can also be applied to Cu, W, Fe, and Al oxide surfaces.