Ceramic Thin-Film Formation on Functionalized Interfaces Through Biomimetic Processing

TLDR

Thin ceramic films can be produced by aqueous precipitation processing routes. The process relies on biomimetic crystal nucleation and growth on functionalized interfaces, enabling low‑temperature (<100 °C) aqueous synthesis on plastics and other substrates, mimicking biological ceramic composites. Biomimetic synthesis yields high‑quality, dense polycrystalline oxides, hydroxides, and sulfides, including nanocrystalline films with preferred orientation, high‑resolution patterned deposition, and compatibility with organic‑inorganic composites.

Abstract

Processing routes have been developed for the production of thin ceramic films through precipitation from aqueous solutions. The techniques are based on crystal nucleation and growth onto functionalized interfaces. Surface functionalization routes have been developed by the mimicking of schemes used by organisms to produce complex ceramic composites such as teeth, bones, and shells. High-quality, dense polycrystalline films of oxides, hydroxides, and sulfides have now been prepared from "biomimetic" synthesis techniques. Ceramic films can be synthesized on plastics and other materials at temperatures below 100 degrees C. As a low-temperature process in which water rather than organic solvents is used, this synthesis is environmentally benign. Nanocrystalline ceramics can be produced, sometimes with preferred crystallite orientation. The direct deposition of high-resolution patterned films has also been demonstrated. The process is well suited to the production of organic-inorganic composites.