providing a metal ligand complex comprising a metal, oxygen, and a reactive moiety, wherein the metal ligand complex is dissolved in a solvent that coats at least part of a substrate; and

inducing a combustion process, wherein the metal ligand complex provides the oxygen to fuel the combustion process, in absence of an additional fuel, to generate a film that is formed over the at least part of the substrate, wherein the film comprises an oxide of the metal, wherein no additional components including fuels, oxidizers or adhesion promoters are used to form the film by combustion.