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–N═O) 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–N═O) on the sample's surface.