Synthesis and characterization of photochromic Ag-embedded TiO2 nanocomposite thin films by non-reactive RF-magnetron sputter deposition

► Ag-embedded TiO2 nanocomposite with reversible photochromic properties. ► No oxidation of the embedded Ag deposited in pure Ar plasma confirmed by XAS. ► No change of the electronic and optical properties of TiO2 film as well. ► Ag diffuses from the film volume to the outer surface in the oxidizing plasma. ► The non-reactive RF-magnetron method avoids the attack of energetic oxygen ions to Ag.