Nano-structured organically modified silica thin films for functional surfaces

We report a template-free sol-gel method for preparation of nanoporous ormosil thin films at ambient conditions. The thin films are coated to the surfaces by using colloidal suspensions of ormosil gels. Gels are synthesized by using a trifunctional organosilane monomer, methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMS), with a two-step acid base reaction. We prepared several ormosil thin films on glass, metal, plastic and paper surfaces with different functionalities like superhydrophobic, antireflective, antifogging and ice retarding properties, from gels prepared in different conditions. Also films on flexible substrates exhibits durable surface properties after several bending cycles. In addition, we also demonstrate that these thin films can be used for fluorescent sensing of explosives by doping them with fluorescent dyes.