Self-ordered porous anodic alumina films were fabricated by a two-step anodization technique at potentials
between 110 and 170 V using different n-alcohols and water mixtures containing 0.3 M H3PO4 at the
electrolyte temperatures of 0 and −5 °C. The morphology of the specimens was observed by a field emission
scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM). Anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) films fabricated in the absence of nalcohols
exhibit a complex structure with sub-pores, independently of the anodizing potential. The sub-pore
structure of films disappeared in the presence of n-alcohols probably due to the cooling effect of alcohol and
extended time for the pore interaction (re-arrangement of pores). Additionally, with increasing anodizing
potential, the regularity of pore arrangement, uniformity of pore shape and interpore distance of the AAO
film increases independently of the electrolyte composition. The order of arrangement and circular shape of
pores increases with increasing n-alcohol content for both anodizing temperatures. The best arranged porous
structures were obtained in 1:1 methanol–water electrolyte containing 0.3 M H3PO4 (lower evaporating
point than n-propanol and water) at 0 °C. The interpore distance of porous anodic alumina decreases with
increasing n-alcohol content and increasing regularity of pore arrangement.