A process for the production of a self-supporting glass film is described. The method includes the steps of preparing a mixture containing a colloidal silica sol, at least one alkanolamine organic additive and an organic binder; coating the mixture onto a base material; drying the coated mixture to form a precursor film on the base material; releasing the precursor film from the base material; and firing the released precursor film to form a self-supporting glass film. Self-supporting glass films produced by the disclosed process are also described.