Metal buffer layer mediated wettability of nanostructured TiO < inf > 2 < /inf > films

Abstract

The effect of a metal buffer layer between the TiO2 film and substrate on the wettability behavior of the film is reported. Nanostructured thin films of TiO2 were deposited on borosilicate glass (BSG) and Au coated BSG (Au/BSG) substrates by the sol-gel technique. The TiO2 film on BSG and Au/BSG crystallized into the anatase structure on annealing to 400 °C. There was a decrease in contact angle upon UV irradiation. The decrease was rapid in the presence of the Au buffer layer under the influence of UV irradiation in contrast to TiO2 films directly deposited on to BSG. There was complete reversibility in the contact angle, as demonstrated by measurements made on films stored in the dark for an hour. © 2012 Elsevier B.V.