Soluble powders as precursors for TiO2 thin films

Amorphous precursor powders have proven to be highly advantageous for the sol-gel processing of TiO2 thin films. Oxide yield, density, solubility, and thermal degradation of powders prepared under various conditions were determined; the thermoanalytical data could be assigned to the oxidative decomposition of different organic constituents. Certain powders are suitable for the preparation of alcohol-based sols, whereas also aqueous coating solutions can be prepared from others. Thin films prepared from both systems show excellent adhesion and optical properties when deposited on borosilicate glass substrates.