Abstract
The effect of acid catalysts on the structure and properties of zirconia-based hybrid organic–inorganic thin films obtained by sol–gel, starting from γ-glycidoxypropyl-trimethoxysilane (GLYMO) and zirconium n-propoxide Zr(C 3H 7) 4, is studied by means of micro-Raman spectroscopy. The kind of network formed during the polymerisation process depends on the catalyst: this modifies the reactivity of the organic moiety of the GLYMO and a glass former behaviour is obtained only when the epoxy ring of the GLYMO is cleaved. Unopened epoxy rings, on the other hand, may protect the guest luminescent molecules, like the azo-dyes, to acid attacks. Nitric and acetic acids are reported as examples.
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