Relation between particle growth kinetics in solution and surface morphology of thin films: implications on the deposition of titania on polyethylene terephthalate

Titania thin films were prepared on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrates by hydrolysis of a peroxo complex in aqueous solutions at 333 K. Dynamic light scattering was used to monitor the particle growth in the reaction solution at various pH values. These findings were used to optimize the microstructure of the titania films by avoiding sedimentation of agglomerates and rapid depletion of the reaction solution. Films deposited on pristine PET, surface hydrolyzed PET and surface oxidized silicon were investigated by atomic force microscopy and show no significant difference in morphology.