MgF2 Xerogels

MgF₂ protective and antireflective coatings have been conventionally produced by sputtering or chemical vapour deposition CVD 1, 2], but here sol-gel routes to MgF₂ are explored. MgF_2(M) and MgF_2(E) were prepared using an alkoxide:HF:ROH mole ratio of 1:2:200 with methanol and ethanol respectively. All sols were stable for over a year. X-ray diffraction confirmed the presence of MgF₂ in samples (but also traces of MgO), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy suggested some F deficiency in the surface. Nevertheless, the MgF₂ xerogels had surface areas and porosities that were very high and this may be used to advantage in coatings or sensors.