Preparation of amorphous and crystalline Ag/TiO2 nanocomposite thin films

▸ Amorphous and crystalline Ag/TiO2 thin films were prepared by sol-gel process tailored by cooling rate. ▸ Silver diffusion mechanism into the titania matrix was evaluated. ▸ Amorphous to anatase-rutile crystalline phase transitions was performed during electron exposition in a TEM. ▸ Silver concentration plays a role in Ag/TiO2 thin films plasmon resonance, making them good candidates for optical applications.