Embedded thin films

A substrate having metallic surface with a ceramic film thereon, formed by a process comprising the steps of:

• immersing the substrate having the metallic surface in a solution of at least one ceramic precursor solute, the solution being corrosive to the metallic surface within a corrosive range of pH and electrical potentials with respect to a counter electrode in the solution, and is not corrosive to the metallic surface within a protective range of pH and electrical potentials with respect to a counter electrode in the solution;
• applying a cathodic voltage potential to the metallic surface with respect to the counter electrode in the solution, and controlling a composition of the solution, within a range adapted to:
• cause a conversion of the at least one ceramic precursor at the patterned metallic surface to a ceramic film comprising self-attractive ceramic nanoparticles on the metallic surface, wherein the consumption of the at least one ceramic precursor alters at least a pH of the solution proximate to the metallic surface,
• protect the metallic surface from corrosion, and
• substantially avoid generation of hydrogen gas bubbles proximate to the metallic surface.