Characterization of Bronze Surface Layer Formed by Microarc Oxidation Process in 12-Tungstophosphoric Acid

This paper is a brief review of our recent research into novel uses for heteropoly compounds as precursors for thin films that can be used as catalysts and materials with good optical, conductive and other characteristics. In view of this, we have chosen thin film obtained with 12-tungsphosphoric acid on aluminum substrates. In all cases, a relatively new, microarc oxidation technique has been used to prepare oxide coatings on substrate surfaces. Advanced physicochemical methods, AFM and SEM-EDS, XRD, Raman and Micro-Raman, and luminescence spectroscopy, as the most powerful techniques, have been used for the characterization of new materials. Possible applications have been discussed as well.