Biologically produced silver-carbon composite materials for optically functional thin-film coatings

Communication: Metal-containing bacteria as precursors for thin films is th e concept behind the production of these ceramic-metal composites (cermets) that consist of an organic carbon matrix with embedded crystalline metalli c silver particles of various morphologies and sizes (see Figure). It is de monstrated that the optical properties of the films can be tailored by adju stment of temperature and metal volume fraction.