In this paper, three types of unique anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) structure were fabricated based on patterned aluminum surface: (1) AAO with three-dimensional (3D) interconnected pores; (2) controllable self-assembled AAO nanowires; (3) supporting AAO skeleton structures. Patterned aluminum surface was obtained by using high voltage anodization processes (400-600 V) in ethanoloxalic acid electrolyte and a following AAO removing method. The voltage/current-time curves during anodization were analyzed in detail. Moreover, the AAO microstructure, film thickness, and film growth rate have been studied based on smooth and also on patterned aluminum surface. In addition, the influences of anodization and etching conditions on AAO microstructure evolutions, e.g., 3D interconnected pores, controllable self-assembled nanowires and supporting skeleton structures have also been investigated. The present fabrication methods for obtaining unique AAO structures are facile, effective, and inexpensive, facilitating practical applications of AAO in diverse related fields. (C) 2016 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.