Plasma polymerization of isopentyl nitrite at atmospheric pressure: Gas phase analysis and surface chemistry

Nitric oxide (NO)-releasing coatings have promising potential for biomedical applications notably in implant safety and wound dressing by promoting healing and reducing bacterial growth. Yet, the production of NO-films remains difficult through classic approaches. In this study, plasma polymerized NO-coatings are produced using a helium-isopentyl nitrite mixture under two power settings and deposited on aluminum samples. Analyses of the plasma phase by mass spectroscopy reveal the presence of nitrosoxy groups (O-NO) in monomer and quasi-monomer at low power, and a higher fragmentation rate at high power. Static and no-static samples are made and analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showing the presence of these group for both power conditions, with a better retention on the sample's center for the latest. This study investigates the production of nitric oxide-films through atmospheric-pressure plasma jet using a helium-isopentyl nitrite mixture, on both static and nonstatic samples. Experimental parameters, including input power and nozzle-sample distances are confronted to compare their influence on the deposited films to optimize the retention of nitrosoxy groups (O-NO) on the sample's surface. image