I have a problem with the oxide layer which covers the formed nanotubes, and I do not know what is wrong in my experimental procedure and how can I remove this annoyed layer?
(please see the attached image)
After the time of experiment is finished, I reduce the voltage gradually to zero and then remove the sample and cleaned it in ethanol using ultrasonic for about 5 min. Then I remove the sample and let it dry in air, after that I use a tissue to cover the sample and I stored it in a sealed plastic bag until the time of SEM investigation, What is the wrong or missing steps of this procedure?
Please help me
Thank you Prof. Ariadne for your kind response, this material is useful.
Hi Yasser
You can try the following:
1. Sonicating for few seconds in methanol
2. Increasing water content of the electrolyte
3. Avoid gradually reducing the voltage and straightaway stop the power supply
4. Prior to imaging, just dry in air or N2 and just store dry, tissue covering is not required
5. You can also try increasing the voltage
Hope it helps.
Cheers
Thank you so much Dr. Karan for your kind reply, I will follow your instructions.
It is actually the debris formation over the tubes which can be removed by using two step anodisation. After 15minutes of anodisation sonicate the sample in isopropnal followed by rinsing with distilled water then as usual sir.
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