Preparation and Z-Scan nonlinear optical characterization of Au/SiO2- and Ag/SiO2-supported nanoparticles dispersed in silica sonogel films

Au/SiO₂ and Ag/SiO₂ supported metal-nanoparticles (MNPs) were implemented to fabricate SiO₂-based inorganic?Cinorganic hybrid sonogel films. Prepared Au/SiO₂- and Ag/SiO₂-MNPs exhibited low 2D-HCP crystallinity with particle diameters below 10?nm and homogeneous size distribution. The catalyst-free (CF) sonogel route was successfully implemented to produce these optically active nanocomposite films by doping the liquid sol-phase with these MNP systems and its subsequent deposition onto glass substrates via standard spin-coating procedures. The easy MNP-loading within the mesoporous dielectric sonogel network evidenced a huge chemical affinity between the silica sonogel hosting system and the guest SiO₂-supported MNPs. This fact allowed us to fabricate high quality hybrid films suitable for cubic nonlinear optical (NLO) characterizations via the Z-Scan technique. Indeed, the hosting sonogel network provided adequate thermal and mechanical stability protecting the active MNPs from environment conditions and diminished their tendency to aggregate; thus, preserving their pristine optical properties and morphology, giving rise to stable sol?Cgel hybrid films appropriate for photonic applications. Comprehensive morphological, structural, spectroscopic and nonlinear photophysical characterizations were optimally performed to the developed hybrid films. Our results have shown that the crystalline nature of the implemented MNPs, their small sizes and appropriate guest?Chost stabilizing interactions play a crucial role in the observation of improved cubic NLO-properties of these MNP structures embedded within the highly pure CF-sonogel confinement.     

Preparation and optical characterization of catalyst free SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> sonogel hybrid materials

The synthesis of sol-gel materials induced by ultrasonic irradiation (sonolysis) is implemented as an alternative method for the fabrication of highly pure organic-inorganic composites with good monolithic, mechanical and optical properties. Ultrasonic irradiation, instead of commonly used basic- or acidic-catalyst was used to produce acoustical cavitation within the liquid H₂O/tetraethyl-ortosilicate (TEOS) reactants. This procedure forms a hydrolyzed-TEOS colloidal dispersion (sol) which produces, after drying, a highly pure SiO₂ network. The resulting SiO₂ glass exhibits high porosity and allows the inclusion of several organic compounds in the colloidal sol-state. Novel, optical active synthesized liquid crystalline (LC)-azo-compounds, bent shaped mesogens, cis- and trans-poly(1-ethynylpyrene)s, as well as fullerene (C₆₀) spheres and classical organic dyes were successfully incorporated as dopant agents within the novel catalyst free (CF) SiO₂-sonogel host matrix. Absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy studies were carried out in order to characterize the optical performance of both the CF-sonogel and several hybrid composites The pulsed laser photoacoustic technique (LPAT) was implemented to determine thermodynamic phase transitions of LC-based hybrids and laser induced damage (photo-degradation) in dye-based composites. Finally, comparative morphology studies between undoped reference samples and some doped composites were performed by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), where an optimal TEOS/dopant concentration ratio, to obtain good mechanical properties among the studied samples, has been found.     

Fabrication and characterization of TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>–SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> composite nanoparticles and polyurethane/(TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>–SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>) nanocomposite films

TiO₂–SiO₂ composite nanoparticles were prepared by a sol–gel process. To obtain the assembly of TiO₂–SiO₂ composite nanoparticles, different molar ratios of Ti/Si were investigated. Polyurethane (PU)/(TiO₂–SiO₂) hybrid films were synthesized using the “grafting from” technique by incorporation of modified TiO₂–SiO₂ composite nanoparticles building blocks into PU matrix. Firstly, 3-aminopropyltriethysilane was employed to encapsulate TiO₂–SiO₂ composite nanoparticles’ surface. Secondly, the PU shell was tethered to the TiO₂–SiO₂ core surface via surface functionalized reaction. The particle size of TiO₂–SiO₂ composite sol was performed on dynamic light scattering, and the microstructure was characterized by X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared. Thermogravimetric analysis and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) employed to study the hybrid films. The average particle size of the TiO₂–SiO₂ composite particles is about 38 nm when the molar ratio of Ti/Si reaches to1:1. The TEM image indicates that TiO₂–SiO₂ composite nanoparticles are well dispersed in the PU matrix.     

Effect of Er<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> on thermal stability of oxyfluoride glass

Glasses have been synthesized in the system SiO₂–Al₂O₃–Na₂O–AlF₃–LaF₃–Er₂O₃. A base glass (in mol% 67SiO₂–9Al₂O₃–20Na₂O–Al₂F₆–3La₂F₆) was modified by 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 2 and 5 mol% Er₂O₃, respectively. Glasses were prepared by conventional fusion method from 20 g batches. The glass transition temperature (T _g), the jump-like changes of the specific heat (ΔC _p) accompanying the glass transition and the enthalpy of crystallization (ΔH) were calculated. DTA measurements clearly reveal that the increase of the Er₂O₃ content in the glass changes the effects of crystallization and diminishes the thermal stability of the glassy network. In the same time the changes in the transition temperature are observed. The formation of NaLaF₄ and Na_1.45La_9.31(SiO₄)₆(F_0.9O_1.1) as a main phase was confirmed. The diminishing of the thermal stability was connected with erbium which incorporated into Na_1.45La_9.31(SiO₄)₆(F_0.9O_1.1) structure.     

Effect of PEG with different <Emphasis Type="Italic">M</Emphasis><Subscript>W</Subscript> as template direction reagent on preparation of porous TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>/SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> with assistance of supercritical CO<Subscript>2</Subscript>

Titania–silica composite have been prepared using polyethylene glycol (PEG) with different molecular weights (M _w), PEG20000, PEG10000, and PEG2000, as template in supercritical carbon dioxide (SC CO₂). The composite precursors were dissolved in SC CO₂ and impregnated into PEG templates using SC CO₂ as swelling agent and carrier. After removing the template by calcination at suitable temperature, the titania–silica composite were obtained. The composite were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and nitrogen sorption–desorption experiment. Photocatalytic activity of the samples has been investigated by photodegradation of methyl orange. Results indicate that there are many Si–O–Ti linkages in the TiO₂/SiO₂ composite; the PEG template has a significant influence on the structure of TiO₂/SiO₂. In addition, the TiO₂/SiO₂ prepared with PEG10000 exhibited high photocatalytic efficiency. So this work supplies a clue to control and obtain the TiO₂/SiO₂ composite with different photocatalytic reactivity with the aid of suitable PEG template in supercritical CO₂.     

Some studies on the phase formation and kinetics in TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> containing lithium aluminum silicate glasses nucleated by P<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>5</Subscript>

Lithium aluminum silicate (LAS) glasses of compositions (wt%) 10.6Li₂O–71.7SiO₂–7.1Al₂O₃–4.9K₂O–3.2B₂O₃–1.25P₂O₅–1.25TiO₂ were prepared by the melt quench technique. Crystallization kinetics was investigated by the method of Kissinger and Augis–Bennett using differential thermal analysis (DTA). Based on the DTA data, glass ceramics were prepared by single-, two-, and three-step heat treatment schedules. The interdependence of different phases formed, microstructure, thermal expansion coefficient (TEC) and microhardness (MH) was investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermo-mechanical analysis (TMA), and microhardness (MH) measurements. Crystallization kinetics revealed that Li₂SiO₃ is the kinetically favored phase with activation energy of 91.10 kJ/mol. An Avrami exponent of n = 3.33 indicated the dominance of bulk crystallization. Based upon the formation of phases, it was observed that the two-stage heat treatment results in highest TEC glass ceramics. The single-step heat treatment yielded glass ceramics with the highest MH.     

Steric distortion of planar NiP<Subscript>2</Subscript>N<Subscript>2</Subscript> chromophores: a spectral,cyclic voltammetric and single crystal X-ray structural study

The complexes trans-[Ni(4-MP)₂(NCS)₂]·MeCN (1) and trans-[Ni(3-MP)₂(NCS)₂] (2) (4-MP = tri(4-methylphenyl)phosphine, 3-MP = tri(3-methylphenyl)phosphine) were prepared and characterized by IR, UV–visible, NMR spectra, CV, TGA and single crystal X-ray crystallography. Both the complexes have planar geometry and are diamagnetic. The Ni–P distances in both complexes are relatively short as a result of strong back donation from nickel to phosphorus. The phenyl rings in the 3-MP analogue (2) show increased pitching with reference to the plane formed by the ipso carbons due to increased steric effects. For complex (2), the N–Ni–N and P–Ni–P angles are significantly lower than the almost linear N–Ni–N and N–Ni–P angles observed for both complex (1) and trans-[Ni(PPh₃)₂(NCS)₂]. This observation indicates that the 3-methylphosphine ligand forces complex (2) to distort towards a tetrahedral geometry. IR spectra of both complexes show strong bands around 2,090 cm⁻¹ due to N-coordinated thiocyanate, while the electronic spectra contain d–d transitions around 452 nm. Cyclic voltammograms show that the irreversible one-electron reduction potentials increase in the following order: trans- [Ni(PPh₃)₂(NCS)₂] < trans- [Ni(3-MP)₂(NCS)₂] < trans-[Ni(4-MP)₂(NCS)₂], revealing the electron releasing effect of the methyl groups. The planar complexes exhibit interallogony in coordinating solvents.     

Influence of YSZ buffer layer on the electric properties of compositionally graded (Ba,Sr)TiO<Subscript>3</Subscript> thin film

Compositionally graded Ba_1−x Sr _x TiO₃ (BST) (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.4) thin films were fabricated on Pt/Ti/SiO₂/Si and YSZ/Pt/Ti/SiO₂/Si substrates by a modified sol–gel technique. The YSZ buffer layer was prepared by RF magnetron sputtering. The microstructure of the graded BST films was investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The results showed that all the films have uniform and crack-free surface with a perovskite structure. The graded BST film with an YSZ buffer layer has larger dielectric constant and lower dielectric loss. The leakage current density of the graded BST film with an YSZ buffer layer lowers two orders than the film without buffer layer. The improved electric properties of the graded films with an YSZ buffer layer was attributed to the YSZ buffer layer act as an excellent seeding layer to enhance the graded BST film growth.     

Preparation and electrical properties of Nd and Mn co-doped Bi<Subscript>4</Subscript>Ti<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>12</Subscript> thin films

Ferroelectric thin films of Nd and Mn co-doped bismuth titanate, Bi_3.15Nd_0.85Ti_3−x Mn _x O₁₂ (BNTM) (x = 0–0.1), were fabricated on Pt/TiO₂/SiO₂/Si(100) substrates by a sol–gel technique. The BNTM films had a polycrystalline perovskite structure and uniform and dense surface morphologies. A lattice distortion was observed in the BNTM films due to Mn ion doping. The ferroelectric measurement of the films indicated that the values of coercive field (E _c ) decreased gradually with the increase of the Mn content (x), however, the remanent polarization (P _r ) increase firstly and then decrease with the increase of x. The sample with x = 0.05 had optimum electrical properties and a maximum 2P _r value. The 2P _r and 2E _c values of the film at a maximum applied electric field of 400 kV/cm were 38.3 μC/cm² and 180 kV/cm, respectively. Moreover, this BNTM capacitors did not show fatigue behaviors after 1.0 × 10¹⁰ switching cycles at a frequency of 1 MHz, suggesting a fatigue-free character. The main reason for the increase of the 2P _r and the decrease of the 2E _c might be attributed to the lattice distortion in BNTM films due to Mn ion doping.     

PMMA-SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> organic–inorganic hybrid films: determination of dielectric characteristics

Organic–inorganic hybrid thin films have been prepared by a modified sol–gel route using tetraethyl orthosilicate as the inorganic (silica) source, methyl methacrylate (MMA) as the organic source, and 3-trimetoxysilylpropyl methacrylate as the coupling agent. The films were prepared by spin coating on Si (100) p-type substrates and subsequently heat-treated at 90 °C. Fourier transform infrared results reveal a set of absorption bands associated with the formation of both PMMA and SiO₂ phases in the hybrid films. Capacitance–voltage (C–V) characterization was carried out on metal-insulator-metal (MIM) and metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) structures, with the hybrid films as the insulator layer to evaluate the electrical properties. We present a detailed comparative analysis of the dielectric constant obtained from C–V characterization in the frequency range of 1 kHz–1 MHz. For the PMMA-SiO₂ hybrid material the dielectric constant values obtained were around 9.5 at 1 MHz which is superior to the values reported for thermally grown SiO₂ and pure PMMA materials. The interface state density for PMMA-SiO₂ on Si was approximately 10¹⁰ cm⁻², which is comparable to the standard SiO₂/Si structures. Due to the electrical behavior and low processing temperatures this hybrid dielectric is a very promising candidate for flexible electronic devices and its subsequent implementation does not require complex equipment.     

Investigation of fast neutron shielding characteristics depending on boron percentages of MgB<Subscript>2</Subscript>, NaBH<Subscript>4</Subscript> and KBH<Subscript>4</Subscript>

The macroscopic cross-section Σ and average neutron fluence in matter Φ are usable factors to comment neutron shielding property of samples. In this paper, we have used MgB₂, NaBH₄ and KBH₄ samples including different percentages of boron. Neutron macroscopic cross-section measurements of them have been done by using a source of mono-energetic neutrons (E _eff = 4.5 MeV ²⁴¹Am–Be). Average neutron fluence values and double differential fast neutron flux distributions of each samples calculated by using FLUKA Monte Carlo code. Also half value layers (HVLs) of samples are compared to paraffin which is one of the most neutron moderators. As a result, growing boron concentration can raise neutron shielding property of materials.     

Synthesis and colour properties of pigments based on terbium-dopped Mg<Subscript>2</Subscript>SnO<Subscript>4</Subscript>

The main aim of this work was to synthesize the magnesium orthostannate doped by terbium cations and tested whether these materials can be used for colouring of the different materials, e.g. organic binder and ceramic glazes. Initial composition of pigments was counted according the general formula 2MgO(1 − x)SnO₂–xTbO₂, where values of x varied from 0.1 to 0.5 in 0.1 steps. The simultaneous TG/DTA measurements of mixture containing tin oxide, magnesium carbonate hydroxide and terbium oxide showed that the formation of a new compound started at temperature 1,029 °C, but single-phase system was not prepared. Granulometric compositions of samples that were prepared by calcining at temperatures 1,300–1,400 °C are characterized by values of median (d ₅₀) in range 4–8 μm. The calcining temperature 1,500 °C caused the increase of the particle sizes at around 12 μm. The composition of sample 2MgO–1.5SnO₂–0.5TbO₂ and heating temperature 1,500 °C are the most suitable conditions for preparation of colourfully interesting pigment that can be recommended also for colouring of ceramic glazes. Especially, for colouring of decorative lead containing glaze G 07091 containing 5 wt% of PbO and 8 wt% of Al₂O₃.     

Synthesis of Poly(<Emphasis Type="Italic">o</Emphasis>-anisidine)/H<Subscript>2</Subscript>SO<Subscript>4</Subscript> Film for the Development of Glucose Biosensor

The poly(o-anisidine)–sulfuric acid–glucose oxidase (POA–H₂SO₄–GOx) electrode has been investigated in the present work. Platinum electrode was used for the synthesis of poly (o-anisidine)–sulfuric acid (POA–H₂SO₄) film using galvanostatic method with 0.2 M o-anisidine, 1.0 M H₂SO₄ solution, 1.0 pH and 2 mA/cm² applied current density. The synthesized film was characterized using electrochemical technique, conductivity measurement, UV–visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. GO_X was immobilized on synthesized POA–H₂SO₄ film by cross-linking via glutaraldehyde in phosphate and acetate buffer. The Michaelis–Menten constant ( K_\textm￠K_{\text{m}}^\prime ) was determined for the immobilized enzyme. The glucose oxidase electrode shows the maximum current response at pH 5.5 and potential 0.6 V. The sensitivity of POA–H₂SO₄–GO_X electrode in phosphate and acetate buffer has been recorded. The results of this study reveal that the phosphate buffer gives fast response as compared to acetate buffer in amperometric measurements.     

Enzyme biosensor based on the immobilization of HRP on SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>/BSA/Au composite nanoparticles

In this work, an enzyme biosensor based on the immobilization of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) on SiO₂/BSA/Au/thionine/nafion-modified gold electrode was fabricated successfully. Firstly, nafion was dropped on the surface of the gold electrode to form a nafion film followed by chemisorption of thionine (Thi) as an electron mediator via the ion-exchange interaction between the Thi and nafion. Subsequently, the SiO₂/BSA/Au composite nanoparticles were assembled onto Thi film through the covalent bounding with the amino groups of Thi. Finally, HRP was immobilized on the SiO₂/BSA/Au composite nanoparticles due to the covalent conjugation to construct an enzyme biosensor. The surface topographies of the SiO₂/BSA/Au composite nanoparticles were investigated by using scanning electronic microscopy. The stepwise self-assemble procedure of the biosensor was further characterized by means of cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. The enzyme biosensor showed high sensitivity, good stability and selectivity, a wide linear response to hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in the range of 8.0 × 10^-6 ∼ 3.72 × 10^-3 mol/L, with a detection limit of 2.0 × 10^-6 mol/L. The Michaelies-Menten constant K_M^app K_M^{app} value was estimated to be 2.3 mM.     

Quantitative study of hydration of C<Subscript>3</Subscript>S and C<Subscript>2</Subscript>S by thermal analysis

This research is part of a European project (namely, CODICE project), main objective of which is modelling, at a multi-scale, the evolution of the mechanical performance of non-degraded and degraded cementitious matrices. For that, a series of experiments were planned with pure synthetic tri-calcium silicate (C₃S) and bi-calcium silicate (C₂S) (main components of the Portland cement clinker) to obtain different calcium–silicate–hydrate (C–S–H) gel structures during their hydration. The characterization of those C–S–H gels and matrices will provide experimental parameters for the validation of the multi-scale modelling scheme proposed. In this article, a quantitative method, based on thermal analyses, has been used for the determination of the chemical composition of the C–S–H gel together with the degree of hydration and quantitative evolution of all the components of the pastes. Besides, the microstructure and type of silicate tetrahedron and mean chain length (MCL) were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and ²⁹Si magic-angle-spinning (MAS) NMR, respectively. The main results showed that the chemical compositions for the C–S–H gels have a CaO/SiO₂ M ratio almost constant of 1.7 for both C₃S and C₂S compounds. Small differences were found in the gel water content: the H₂O/SiO₂ M ratio ranged from 2.9 ± 0.2 to 2.6 ± 0.2 for the C₃S (decrease) and from 2.4 ± 0.2 to 3.2 ± 0.2 for the C₂S (increase). The MCL values of the C–S–H gels, determined from ²⁹Si MAS NMR, were 3.5 and 4 silicate tetrahedron, for the hydrated C₃S and C₂S, respectively, remaining almost constant at all hydration periods.     

Local structure and photoluminescent characteristics of Eu<Superscript>3+</Superscript> in ZnO–SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> glasses

The photoluminescence properties of xZnO–(100−x)SiO₂ (x = 0, 5, 10, 20) containing 1% Eu₂O₃ prepared by a sol–gel method were systematically investigated. The results indicated that the relative proportion of f–f transitions to charge transfer (CT) absorption decreased with the increase of ZnO concentration. The intensity of ⁵D₀–⁷F_J transitions of Eu³⁺ ions was enhanced with the increase of ZnO content due to local structure changes and decreased quantities of Eu³⁺ ions clusters. The results of fluorescence line narrow (FLN) spectra indicated that Eu³⁺ ions occupied one site in SiO₂ glass and two sites in ZnO–SiO₂ glasses. The second-order crystal field parameters were calculated. B₂₀ and B₂₂ for site 1 increased with excitation energy, while ones hardly changed for site 2.     

LiNi<Subscript>0.8</Subscript>Co<Subscript>0.2−x</Subscript>Ti<Subscript>x</Subscript>O<Subscript>2</Subscript> nanoparticles: synthesis,structure, and evaluation of electrochemical properties for lithium ion cell application

Layered Ti-doped lithiated nickel cobaltate, LiNi_0.8Co_{0.2 − x}Ti_xO₂ (where x = 0.01, 0.03, and 0.05) nanopowders were prepared by wet-chemistry technique. The structural properties of synthesized materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermo-gravimetric/differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA). The morphological changes brought about by the changes in composition of LiNi_0.8Co_{0.2 − x}Ti_xO₂ particles were examined through surface examination techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses. Electrochemical studies were carried out using 2016-type coin cell in the voltage range of 3.0–4.5 V (vs carbon) using 1 M LiClO₄ in ethylene carbonate and diethyl carbonate as the electrolyte. Among the various concentrations of Ti-doped lithiated nickel cobaltate materials, C/LiNi_0.8Co_0.17Ti_0.03O₂ cell gives stable charge–discharge features.     

Influence of pH on the incorporation and growth of Pb<Subscript>2</Subscript>CrO<Subscript>5</Subscript> crystallites in silica matrix

Pb₂CrO₅ nanoparticles were embedded in an amorphous SiO₂ matrix by the sol–gel process. The pH and heat treatment effects were evaluated in terms of structural, microstructural and optical properties from Pb₂CrO₅/SiO₂ compounds. X-ray diffraction (XRD), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and diffuse reflectance techniques were employed. Kubelka–Munk theory was used to calculate diffuse reflectance spectra that were compared to the experimental results. Finally, colorimetric coordinates of the Pb₂CrO₅/SiO₂ compounds were shown and discussed. In general, an acid pH initially dissolves Pb₂CrO₅ nanoparticles and following heat treatment at 600 °C crystallized into PbCrO₄ composition with grain size around 6 nm in SiO₂ matrix. No Pb₂CrO₅ solubilization was observed for basic pH. These nanoparticles were incorporated in silica matrix showing a variety of color ranging from yellow to orange.     

Photocatalytic activity of (sulfur,nitrogen)-codoped mesoporous TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> thin films

Nitrogen and sulfur co-doped mesoporous TiO₂ thin films were fabricated using thiourea as a doping resource by the combination of the sol–gel and evaporation-induced self-assembly (EISA) processes. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), N₂ adsorption–desorption, and UV–vis spectra were performed to characterize the as-synthesized mesoporous TiO₂ materials. The XPS result shows that O–Ti–N and O–Ti–S bonds in the (S, N)-codoped mesoporous TiO₂ were formed. The resultant mesoporous (S, N)-codoped TiO₂ exhibited anatase framework with a high porosity and a narrow pore distribution. After being illuminated for 3 h, methyl orange (MO) could be degraded completely by the co-doped sample under the ultraviolet irradiation, whereas mesoporous TiO₂ film without doping could only degrade 60% MO. After being illuminated by visible light, the water contact angles of the mesoporous co-doped TiO₂ samples decreased slightly, but the pure TiO₂ mesoporous film exhibited no change in the hydrophilicity.     

Preparation and characterization of poly(phthalazinone ether ketone)/SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> hybrid composite thin films with low friction coefficient

Organic–inorganic poly(phthalazinone ether ketone) (PPEK)/SiO₂ hybrid composite thin films were prepared by the dip-coating method on pre-cleaned glass substrates. The covalent bonds between organic and inorganic phases were introduced by an in-situ O-acylation reaction of isocyanatopropyltriethoxysilane (ICPTES) with the borohydride-reduced PPEK forming a polymer bearing triethoxysilyl groups. Theses groups were subsequently hydrolyzed with tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and allowed to form a network via a sol–gel process. The polymer hybrid composite exhibited good thermal stability and a higher glass transition temperature as compared with the pure resin. Atomic force microscope, water contact angle measurement and scanning electron microscope were used to characterize the polymer hybrid thin films. The tribological experiment showed that the films have very low friction coefficient (about 0.1) and good anti-wear properties, without failure even after sliding for 18,000 s under modest loads. The improved tribological properties of the modified substrate were attributed to good adherence of PPEK/SiO₂ hybrid films on the substrate and synergy of both PPEK matrix and silica particles.