Study of Zinc Anodization to Understand the Structure, Chemistry, and Growth Dynamics of Size-Controlled Zinc-Based Nanowires

Date

2025-8-25

Author

Örsel, Zeynep Cemre

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Anodization of zinc has been investigated as a method for growing zinc-based nanowire arrays, primarily intended for subsequent conversion to ZnO. While previous studies have characterized such nanowires before conversion, their precise chemistry and crystalline structure remained unidentified, and optimized parameters for controlling their size had not been reported. Addressing these gaps requires both structural identification and a deeper understanding of the growth process, since practical application of the zinc-based nanowire arrays depends on the ability to engineer them with precision. In this thesis, the crystalline structure of the nanowires was determined through X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, revealing that the previously unindexed zinc-based phase is a layered zinc hydroxide carbonate variant, distinct from well-characterized layered phases such as hydrozincite. Differences in the bonding environments of carbonate groups in this phase, compared to those in stoichiometric hydrozincite, were examined using comparative Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). In addition, the growth stages of the nanowires were further elucidated through sequential-time scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging, supported by analysis of current–time transients recorded during nucleation and growth phases. Finally, the relationship between nanowire dimensions, electrolyte concentration, and applied potential difference was established, demonstrating that nanowire diameter can be controlled by tuning the interplay between electrolyte concentration and applied potential.

Subject Keywords

Anodization, zinc, zinc hydroxide carbonate, nanowire, growth dynamics

URI

https://hdl.handle.net/11511/115998

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Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Thesis