CdTiO3 thin films prepared by sol–gel method using a simpler route

Thin films of cadmium titanate (CdTiO3) were prepared on glass substrates utilizing the sol–gel technique, by means of a simpler route. As-prepared samples are amorphous, but crystallize after annealing in air at temperatures ≳ 450 °C. The films transform to the ilmenite rhombohedrical crystalline phase of CdTiO3 with preferential orientation along the (003) direction. After annealing, a high transparency (80% of optical transmission) was measured. Microscopic images obtained by means of atomic force and scanning electron microscopies revealed the polycrystalline character of the films with elongated grains and, in general, the uniform nature of the deposition.