Characterization of sol–gel derived glass composite thin films

Abstract

A comprehensive analysis of composition and structure is essential for the development of new materials with tailored properties. We will demonstrate the application of SEM, XPS and XRD for the development of thin films containing nano-scaled electrical conductive particles for application in hybrid resistors.The films were prepared using the sol-gel process and precursor solutions were synthesized from an acid hydrolysis of a mixture of TEOS, water and ethanol. Alcoholic solutions of ruthenium chloride were then allocated to obtain up to 30 vol% filler in the films. The films were precipitated by dip-coating on silicon, silica or glass sheets and heat treated at up to 600• C in air or nitrogen atmospheres.A nano-structured morphology could be identified consisting of homogeneously dispersed crystalline RuO 2 particles of 10 to 180 nm in size, in an amorphous SiO 2 matrix. Film morphology can be varied using the synthesis process. The resistivity of the films was measured by an I-V measurement system. It changes drastically from 10 9 Z·cm to 10 −2 Z·cm according to the amount of dispersed conductive particles.The results show that composition-structure-property relations can be described by use of sophisticated analytical methods.

Preparation and Characterization of Conductive and Transparent Ruthenium Dioxide Sol–Gel Films

“…The reported resistivity values are within the range reported by Jeng et al for their 30:1 Ru:Si sol–gel films . Jeng et al annealed their films in a nitrogen atmosphere, which is known to inhibit the growth of RuO 2 particles as confirmed by Shimamura et al The sol–gel films prepared here were annealed under ambient atmospheric conditions allowing the RuO 2 particles to expand in size and become fully oxidized. This increase in particle size creates more contacts throughout the films causing the resistivity to decrease.…”

Graphene−Silica Composite Thin Films as Transparent Conductors

“…Moreover, the metal oxide coatings are susceptible to ion diffusion from the metal oxide films into the substrates, which can be unfavorable for long-term device performance . As such, much research has been devoted to find a simple solution-based route to fabricate highly stable electrically conductive thin films. − ,− Carbon nanotube (CNT) networks are a potential alternative and can be fabricated via a solution-based method. CNTs in an appropriate solvent are filtered using a filter such as porous alumina and transferred to a transparent substrate using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) via a printing method …”

“…25 As such, much research has been devoted to find a simple solution-based route to fabricate highly stable electrically conductive thin films. [7][8][9][26][27][28][29][30][31][32] Carbon nanotube (CNT) networks are a potential alternative and can be fabricated via a solution-based method. CNTs in an appropriate solvent are filtered using a filter such as porous alumina and transferred to a transparent substrate using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) via a printing method.…”