Smart and composite inorganic coatings obtained by sputtering: A promising solution for numerous application fields

This chapter describes smart and functional coatings for various applications (e.g., biomedical, corrosion protection, harsh environment applications, energy storage, sensors and aesthetic) with particular attention to the ones obtained by means of sputtering.First, a brief introduction on the need for smart and functional coatings in various application fields is presented with some examples. The main techniques suitable for the production of such coatings are then described considering advantages and disadvantages and main features (e.g., coating thickness, physical state, and typology of the material to be deposited, system requirements). A review of smart and functional coatings obtained by sputtering for antibacterial, bioactive, solid oxide fuel cells, decorative or magnetic applications is then reported together with a discussion of the future trends in this field.