Template free preparation of nanoporous organically modified silica thin films on flexible substrates

Date

2011

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Source Title

Journal of Materials Chemistry

Print ISSN

0959-9428

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Royal Society of Chemistry

Volume

21

Issue

38

Pages

14830 - 14837

Language

English

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Abstract

We report the preparation and characterization of nanoporous organically modified silica (ormosil) thin films at room temperature and neutral pH conditions from homogeneous methyl silsesquioxane (MSQ) gels. Universally applicable and stable colloidal ormosil suspensions are prepared from the gels by sonication and coated to the substrates including glass, paper and plastics. The nanoporosity and thickness of the films can be tuned, which makes them suitable for certain applications including sensing, functional coatings, and low-dielectric materials. We demonstrate the antireflection property of the films on glass, cellulose acetate (CA) and polyetherimide (PEI) substrates. The films on CA and PEI retain their antireflection property after multiple bending cycles. Furthermore, films are intrinsically hydrophobic, over a wide pH range, with static contact angles up to 143 degrees on paper and 123 degrees on glass and CA. Producing nanoporous ormosil thin films on flexible substrates may expand their use in low cost electronic, optical devices and sensors, and lab-on-paper applications.

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