Formation of plasma electrolytic oxidation coatings on pure niobium in different electrolytes

The development of PEO surface treatments for Nb (niobium) provides a possibility to produce functionalized coatings with combination new compositions and phases. In the frame this work, on pure are produced in three electrolytes containing aluminate, phosphate silicate. Furthermore, influence electrolyte composition process microstructure, properties were studied. It was observed that most coating forming species did not participate plasma reactions directly, while chemical-, electrochemical- thermal stimulated dominating formation. results show all mainly composed Nb2O5 phase. An additional mixture oxides (Al2O3 AlNbO4) is found formed aluminate-containing electrolyte, phosphate-containing contains small amount Nb2(PO4)3 amorphous phosphate. No crystalline phase other than silica detected silicate-containing electrolyte. Additionally, different morphology revealed uniform which further improves its corrosion resistance. This also shows highest photocatalytic activity due silica. Since superior resistance activity, they might be interesting wide range applications ranging from transportation, biomedical implants environmental protection.