Electrophoretic Deposition of TiO2 Nanoparticles on Dense TiO2-x Ceramic Electrodes

TiO2 nanoparticles were electrophoretically deposited on the dense TiO2-x ceramic electrodes from suspension containing TiO2 nanoparticles, isopropanol as a solvent and triethanolamine as dispersant. The effect of deposition parameters including deposition voltage (10 to 60 V) and deposition time (10 to 40 min) on the microstructure and deposition yield was examined. It was found that the thickness of coating increased with increasing deposition time and deposition voltage. However, it affected the quality of obtained coating e.g. cracks and holes were observed. Optimizing deposition parameters homogeneous coating with smooth microstructure and limited surface damage can be obtained. Thermal treatment of the coating in the temperature range from 700 to 1100 °C causes anatase to rutile phase transformation. Crack formation was noted during sintering due to the phase transformation and thermal stresses.