THERMAL STUDIES OF POROUS ALUMINUM OXIDE MEMBRANES

Abstract

Study of optical properties of nanoscale membranes of porous anodic alumina can significantly expand the scope of this material. The paper presents the results of thermal imaging studies of porous anodic alumina membranes with various structural parameters. Temperature distribution profiles for membranes obtained in various electrolytes based on sulfuric, oxalic and orthophosphoric acids have been constructed. It was found that the shielding of IR radiation is more pronounced (approximately 30%) in membranes with a smaller pore diameter dspore≈20 nm compared to membranes with a larger pore diameter dlpore≈200 nm. This is due to the scattering of thermal radiation on structural inhomogeneities, which are much higher in porous anodic alumina membranes obtained with sulfuric acid. Small-diameter pores, under-etched areas and defects act as sources of inhomogeneity. Also, due to the increased activity of sulfuric acid in comparison with other acids used, more anions are incorporated into the structure of the sample.

Keywords

• porous aluminum oxide
• membranes
• pore diameter
• optical properties
• thermal imager
• ir radiation