ZrO2 buffer layers were successfully dip-coated on stainless steel(SS) foils via a sol-gel process, using 30 mol% SiO2 as a stabilizing agent and zirconyl chloride octahydrate (ZrOCl2.8H(2)O) as the precursor The buffer layer was characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis, Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, Auger electron spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The introduction of SiO2 retarded ZrO2 phase transformation from tetragonal to monoclinic. The normal emittances of the Au/ZrO2/SS foils before and after heat-treatment in air at 850 degreesC are 0.038 and 0.043, respectively. The ZrO2 buffer layer effectively suppresses interdiffusion between the gold film and the SS substrate at high temperature.