A. Borrás, A. Barranco, J.P. Espinós, J. Cotrino, J.P. Holgado, A.R. González-Elipe
Plasma Processes and Polymers, 4 (2007) 515-527
doi: 10.1002/ppap.200700013

A model experiment on the plasma deposition of TiO₂ on silver is described which can help to identify the factors that control the formation of supported Ag@TiO₂ nanofibers during plasma deposition of TiO₂ at T > 130 °C. The plasma oxidation of silver and the plasma deposition of TiO₂on dispersed metal particles have also been studied and correlated with film topography. The species in the plasma have been analysed and fiber growth has been followed as a function of deposition time. The experimental evidence indicates that factors controlling fiber formation include silver mobility, stress relaxation of oxidized silver surfaces, chemical reduction of silver oxide, and inhomogeneities of the plasma sheath.