Soft chemistry routes are now well known for the elaboration of oxide or hybrid organic/inorganic materials with a controlled micro/nano-structure. Basic principles rely on sol-gel condensation of oxides, colloidal synthesis of nanoparticles and hybrid organic/inorganic formulations. In addition to a relative simplicity of processing, soft chemistry routes allow for the rational design of materials both combining the properties various components and exhibiting an optimized microstructure in relation with the targeted applications. In this talk, I will focus on the recent achievements made in our group concerning functional coatings for optical applications. The specific case of materials obtained through the dispersion of colloidal nanoparticles within a polymeric silica host matrix will be mainly considered. Strategies of elaboration and structure/properties relationships will be reviewed and illustrated in different examples such as photocatalytic coatings, anti-reflective coatings and light emitting devices.

Soft chemistry routes to nanoparticulate coatings for optical applications

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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