Transparent anti-fogging and self-cleaning TiO₂/SiO₂ thin films on polymer substrates using atmospheric plasma

Transparent anti-fogging and self-cleaning coatings are of great interest for many applications, including solar panels, windshields and displays or lenses to be used in humid environments. In this paper, we report on the simultaneous synthesis, at atmospheric pressure, of anatase TiO₂ nanoparticles and low-temperature, high-rate deposition of anatase TiO₂/SiO₂ nanocomposite coatings. These coatings exhibit durable super-hydrophilic and photocatalytic properties. The strategy followed relies on concomitant and separated injections of titania, i.e. titanium isopropoxide, and silica, i.e. hexamethyldisiloxane, precursors in the stream of a blown-arc discharge to form transparent anti-fogging and self-cleaning anatase TiO₂/SiO₂ nanocomposite coatings on polymer substrates.