Studies on the effect of the stabilizer activity on the structure and properties of titania-based hybrid films

Macroscopically ordered mesostructured films were prepared by the dip-coating method using a sol-gel technology. Stabilizers of different nature, such as poly(ethyloxazoline), diethylamine, poly(ethylene imine), octylamine, and dodecylamine, were used as modifying additives. The effect of activity of functional amino groups containing primary, secondary, and tertiary amines on the physicochemical properties of films was investigated. The film compositions were studied by X-ray powder diffraction; the film morphologies, by atomic force microscopy and small-angle X-ray scattering. IR spectroscopy was used to suggest a scheme for the chemical reactions. It was shown that the change in activity of a stabilizer considerably affects the composition and properties of the final product and can also lead to high self-organization of the surface formed not only on the nano but also on the micro scales. Comparative characterization of photoactivity and the nature of stabilizers was undertaken.