Control over the spatial correlation of perforations in silica thin films as a function of solution conditions.

A perforated silica layer with structural correlation is engineered using sol-gel chemistry, applied to large-scale flat and curved surfaces. The anion(s) used in the preparation give tailored spatial correlation, and control over perforation size and density. Surface structuration is rapidly and reproducibly created using water and salts as inexpensive and ecofriendly reagents.