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Preparation of mesoporous silica thin films at low temperature: a comparison of mild structure consolidation and template extraction procedures

  • Original Paper: Functional coatings, thin films and membranes (including deposition techniques)
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Abstract

Mesoporous thin films (MTFs) displaying high surface area and controlled porosity constitute interesting materials for a plethora of applications in optics and electronics. A critical aspect in MTF processing is template removal that usually consists in thermal treatment at 350 °C, which consolidates the oxide film but might change the pore features. In addition, the use of such high temperature must be avoided when organic functionalities are to be preserved, or in the case of film deposition on polymeric substrates. Here we present and compare five different methods to consolidate silica MTF (SMTF) in mild conditions, at a maximum processing temperature of 130 °C. Conditions, such as duration of the thermal treatment, vacuum conditions, exposure to acidic and alkaline media, were systematically explored and the resulting films were analyzed by optical microscopy, focused ion beam, scanning electron microscopy, ellipsometry, and infrared spectroscopy. The optimized conditions leading to accessible mesopores and a stable oxide structure that can be used as a mesoporous perm-selective electrode are discussed.

Highlights

  • Soft template extraction methods from mesoporous silica thin films onto Si and Au were compared.

  • These low-T treatments permit to extract ionic and non-ionic surfactants, keeping film integrity.

  • A complete analysis on template extraction, film adhesion, and mesopore size is provided.

  • Optimized 130 °C treatment followed by vacuum leads to robust frameworks with accessible mesopores.

  • Mesoporous electrodes can be used for more than 90 consecutive electrochemical cycles in aqueous solutions.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by INTI, INS-UNSAM, and Agencia Nacional de Promoción Científica y Tecnológica (Projects PICT-2015-3526, PICT 2017-4651, and PICT-2018-04236). Dr. M.C. Fuertes is gratefully thanked for the EPAs measurements.

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  1. INTI-Micro y Nanotecnologías, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Industrial, Av. Gral. Paz 5445, San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina

    Gustavo Giménez & Gabriel Ybarra

  2. Instituto de Nanosistemas, Universidad Nacional de San Martín, CONICET, Av. 25 de Mayo 1021, San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina

    Galo J. A. A. Soler-Illia

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  1. Gustavo Giménez
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Giménez, G., Ybarra, G. & Soler-Illia, G.J.A.A. Preparation of mesoporous silica thin films at low temperature: a comparison of mild structure consolidation and template extraction procedures. J Sol-Gel Sci Technol 96, 287–296 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10971-020-05410-z

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