Multilayer crack-free hybrid coatings for functional devices

Abstract. Porous acid catalyzed TiO2 single, SiO2-TiO2 hybrid, and TiO2/SiO2-TiO2/SiO2 multilayer coatings are synthesized and characterized for optical and electro-optical applications. The reflection value is reasonably reduced from the surface of the glass by integrating sol–gel based spin-coated single and multilayer thin films. Structurally, the films show uniform, crack-free, and porous nanofilms with good surface roughness of below 10 nm, which has potential for optical applications. Wide range tunability of refractive index (2.83 to 1.59) with more than 78% optical transparency is observed. The multilayered reflection profile is observed around 0.18%, so these coatings are desirable for optochemical functional devices.