Strategy facilitating the transfer of zirconium-oxide nanotubes onto zirconia-based ceramic implants

We report on the synthesis route for metal-oxide nanotubes via electro-chemical anodization of zirconium foil resulting in the formation of zirconia nanotubular (ZrNT) films, subsequently transferred onto pre-formed zirconia (ZrO2) implant material. The approach was based on a direct transfer of ZrNT films onto the ceramic implant via an acetone bath. The ZrNT film was detached from the metal-foil using regular adhesive-tape prior to transfer. This simple technique allows to impart a robust micro-nanoscale structure to bulk-ceramics that can potentially offer enhanced surface-reaction sites and functionality in the field of ceramic-biomaterial applications.