Influence of Electropolishing on the Crystallinity of Anodic Tantalum Oxide
Faculty Mentor Information
Dr. Hui (Claire) Xiong, Boise State University; and Sarah Pooley, Boise State University
Presentation Date
7-15-2026
Abstract
Rechargeable batteries are becoming increasingly important as the demand for efficient energy storage continues to grow. Researching and developing electrode materials is critical for improving battery performance. Tantalum oxide (Ta_2 O_5) is a promising electrode material whose electrochemical behavior is influenced by its synthesis conditions. This research investigates how the effect of electropolishing on the native tantalum suboxide influences oxide crystallization during anodization. Tantalum foil samples were electropolished to produce uniform surfaces before being anodized to grow tantalum oxide. The resulting oxide films were then analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to examine morphology and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to evaluate crystallinity. Preliminary results indicate that electropolishing modifies the native surface oxide and influences subsequent oxide growth during anodization. In addition, increasing oxide thickness promotes changes in film crystallinity. Understanding how substrate pre-processing influences oxide growth and crystallization provides insight into the controlled synthesis of tantalum oxide thin films. These findings provide a foundation for future studies investigating how the morphology and crystallinity of Ta_2 O_5 Electrodes affect lithium-ion storage and electrochemical performance in rechargeable batteries.
Influence of Electropolishing on the Crystallinity of Anodic Tantalum Oxide
Rechargeable batteries are becoming increasingly important as the demand for efficient energy storage continues to grow. Researching and developing electrode materials is critical for improving battery performance. Tantalum oxide (Ta_2 O_5) is a promising electrode material whose electrochemical behavior is influenced by its synthesis conditions. This research investigates how the effect of electropolishing on the native tantalum suboxide influences oxide crystallization during anodization. Tantalum foil samples were electropolished to produce uniform surfaces before being anodized to grow tantalum oxide. The resulting oxide films were then analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to examine morphology and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to evaluate crystallinity. Preliminary results indicate that electropolishing modifies the native surface oxide and influences subsequent oxide growth during anodization. In addition, increasing oxide thickness promotes changes in film crystallinity. Understanding how substrate pre-processing influences oxide growth and crystallization provides insight into the controlled synthesis of tantalum oxide thin films. These findings provide a foundation for future studies investigating how the morphology and crystallinity of Ta_2 O_5 Electrodes affect lithium-ion storage and electrochemical performance in rechargeable batteries.