Investigation of the Surface Features of $$\bf TiO_2/Sm_2O_3$$ Thin Films Prepared by Sol–gel Method

Abstract

Nanostructured TiO₂ thin films doped with Sm₂O₃ were synthesized by the sol–gel method using titanium isopropoxide and titanium butoxide as precursors. The coatings were deposited on 316L stainless steel substrates and investigated with respect to their morphology, structure, and protective efficiency. Cyclic corrosion tests in a 3.5% NaCl solution for 100 h demonstrated excellent protective behaviour. Samples containing 1 at.% Sm in titanium isopropoxide (Sm2) and 0.5 at.% Sm in titanium butoxide (Sm3) exhibited the highest corrosion resistance, with negligible or zero corrosion rates. The results indicate that the incorporation of samarium into sol–gel derived TiO₂ coatings enhances their protective performance and stability in chloride-containing environments, making them promising candidates for advanced anticorrosion applications.