Development of biomineralization-inspired hybrids based on β-chitin and zinc hydroxide carbonate and their conversion into zinc oxide thin films

Zinc compounds recently have attracted much attention due to their wide and useful applications. Herein, we show the development of organic/inorganic hybrid thin-film formation based on zinc hydroxide carbonate and ss-chitin. The thin-film crystal of zinc hydroxide carbonate was grown on an abundant natural biopolymer. The hybrids exhibit a specific crystallographic morphology. Furthermore, necessary and crucial requirements for successful thin-film formation are also reported in the study. Detailed investigation and tuning of experimental criteria leading to the formation of inorganic thin films on the organic matrix was discussed.