Plasma-Electrochemical Formation of Sn-Containing Oxide Layers on Titanium

Abstract

Coatings containing SnO₂ have been formed on titanium by means of plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) in the electrolyte with EDTA-Sn²⁺ complex ions. The composition and morphology of the coatings have been investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). Application of the formed composites in the function of indicator electrodes has been examined. An external layer of the coatings containing tin has demonstrated a developed coral-like structure. Expressivity of the coral-like structure, as well as the concentration and distribution of tin in this layer depend on the current density of the galvanostatic formation. The composition and structure of Sn-containing coatings indicate that the outlook is promising for application of the formed Ti/TiO₂/SnO₂ composites as functional materials, for example, as photocatalysts, catalysts supports, and sensitive elements for recording devices.