Anodizing of etched aluminum foil coated with modified hydrous oxide film for aluminum electrolytic capacitor

Prior to galvanostatical anodization in boric acid solution, aluminum capacitor foil with a tunnel etch structure is treated in a two-step process in which a non-dense hydrous oxide film is first formed on foil in neutral boiling water for 10 min namely, conventional hydration (CH)] and the hydrous oxide is then modified in a 80 °C weakly acidic solution containing trace amount of citric acid for 3 min namely, modified conventional hydration (MCH)]. After modification, the hydrous oxide film becomes dense and thin. Time variations in the anode potential during anodizing were monitored, and the structure and dielectric properties of the anodic oxide films were examined by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements. It was found that the MCH-induced hydrous oxide film results in a decreased power consumption during anodization and an increased crystallized anodic oxide film, which has a high specific capacitance and a low specific resistance, comparing with the CH-induced hydrous oxide film.