Thin Solid Films, Vol.384, No.2, 236-242, 2001
The evolution of microstructure and surface bonding in SiO2 aerogel film after plasma treatment using O-2, N-2, and H-2 gases
In this work, we investigated the effects of various gases (O-2, N-2, and H-2) plasma treatment on SiO2 aerogel films in order to strengthen the film and improve the surface chemical bonding nature of the film. The plasma treatments could reduce the density of silanol (Si-OH) and ethoxy (Si-OR) groups. The physical, chemical, and electrical properties of SiO2 aerogel film through curing with various plasma gases were evaluated. The modification of SiO2 aerogel film by plasma gas treatment was related to the physical impingement effect of ions, chemical reaction, and irradiated vacuum UV.