Nanodentistry aspects explored towards nanostructured ZrO2: Immobilizing zirconium-oxide nanotube coatings onto zirconia ceramic implant surfaces

We report on a facile strategy to impart nanostructured morphology to commercially available ceramic-preforms used for biomedical applications in the field of dentistry. This process involves the deposition of nanotubular zirconium-oxide (ZrNT) membranes onto zirconia (ZrO 2 ) ceramic discs at ambient conditions. ZrNTs are fabricated via electrochemical anodization of zirconium foil in a one-pot synthesis. The ZrNT film is detached from the metal-foil using office-adhesive tape and freestanding ZrNT films were obtained via dissolution of adhesives in a solvent bath, which also facilitate the transfer of ZrNT film onto the ceramic. This simple technique allows to impart a robust micro-nanoscale structure to bulk-ceramics that can potentially offer insights into designing ‘smart’ implants in the field of ceramic-biomaterial applications. A strategy to render ceramic implants with nanostructures via a facile adhesive tape-mediated solvent based transfer. Implants modified with nanostructured layers are capable of augmenting surface response and may potentially facilitate the development of enhanced functional implants.Figure ToC. ZrNT deposited onto preforms via adhesive-tape mediated transfer in a solvent. • Facile attachment of zirconia nanotubes (ZrNTs) to ZrO 2 ceramics. • Feasible at ambient conditions and no intermediate treatment of parent ceramic. • Process is not limited by geometric constraints of the parent material. • Readily imparts a robust micro-nanoscale structure to bulk-ceramics. • ZrNTs may also act as drug-reservoirs.