SOL-GEL SYNTHESIS OF TITANIA THIN-FILM-STABILIZED POROUS SILICA COATING

Stacked thin films with controlled porosity and/or distinct difference s in refractive index have been prepared by manipulating the synthetic sol-gel process. A limited amount of titania is found to be homogeneo usly, rather than gradiently, mixed throughout the porous silica under layer. This intermixing enhances the mechanical stability of the stack ed coatings. This new approach shows potential for the design of novel asymmetric membranes, chemical sensors, and optical coatings.