Multi-functional TiO₂/Si/Ag(Cr)/TiN_x coatings for low-emissivity and hydrophilic applications

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Multi-functional thin films were deposited by RF and DC magnetron sputtering. • High visible transmittance (∼85.5% at 550 nm) was achieved with low-e value 0.067. • Different bandgap concept was used to improve the hydrophilic properties. • Transparent, superhydropbilic films with water contact angle ∼5° were achieved. - Abstract: Multi-functional (coatings with some additional functional properties such as high transparency, antireflection, hydrophilicity and antifogging) coatings are indispensable for the modern energy saving systems. In this regard, we deposited TiO₂/Si/Ag(Cr)/TiN_x multilayer thin films on soda-lime glass by using RF and DC magnetron sputtering to achieve a multi-functional thin film stack with the combination low-emissivity (low-e) and hydrophilicity properties in addition to the high transparency. Primary deposition of Ag(Cr)/TiN_x was tried for the low-e effect and successfully obtained a very low emissivity value of 0.067, and then Si and TiO₂ films with different bandgap were subsequently deposited to provide the hydrophilic properties. X-ray diffraction results revealed the anatase phase formation of TiO₂ after annealing the films at 673 K by using the rapid thermal annealing system. Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry (RBS) was carried out to determine the chemical composition and elemental depth distribution. The multilayer stack exhibited superhydrophilicity with a water contact angle of about 5° after irradiation by UV light. A Heterojunction film with wide and narrow bandgap semiconductor materials was effective to improve the hydrophilicity. The films exhibited a high visible transmittance (∼85.5%, at 550 nm) and low infrared transmittance (7%, at 2000 nm) including low-e and superhydrophilicity.