Issue 38, 2011

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

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° on paper and 123° 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.

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

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
23 May 2011
Accepted
21 Jul 2011
First published
18 Aug 2011

J. Mater. Chem., 2011,21, 14830-14837

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

A. Yildirim, H. Budunoglu, M. Yaman, M. O. Guler and M. Bayindir, J. Mater. Chem., 2011, 21, 14830 DOI: 10.1039/C1JM12188J

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