Three anionic surfactants, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), 4-dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid (DBS-H) and sodium 4-dodecylbenzenesulfonate (DBS-Na) have been readily employed to prepare ZrO₂ films at the air-water interface. X-ray reflectivities were used to detect the formation and structure of ZrO₂ films. SDS, DBS-H and DBS-Na could all act as templates to assist self-assembly of ZrO₂ films and cause different effects on the structures and properties of the films, including d-spacing and strength of the layered films.

Key words: ZrO₂ film, air-water interface, surfactant, self-assembly