Factors that Contribute to the Growth of Ag@TiO₂ Nanofibers by Plasma Deposition

A model experiment on the plasma deposition of TiO 2 on silver is described which can help to identify the factors that control the formation of supported Ag@TiO 2 nanofibers during plasma deposition of TiO 2 at T > 130 °C. The plasma oxidation of silver and the plasma deposition of TiO 2 on 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. magnified image