Fahmi A., Gindy N.
University of Nottingham, UK
Keywords: Au nanoparticles, diblock copolymer, hybrid materials, nanoporous
Fabrication of Nanostructures via self-assembly process is an elegant concept for the production the next generation of miniaturised devices. However, many challenges need to be overcome in 2D and 3D nanofabrication before the routine utilisation of such technology. Reduced cost versatility and robustness all have to be improved significantly. Hybrid materials based on diblock copolymer and metallic nanoparticles could be the key of developing new type of functional materials of varying properties very different from its original constituents. The properties of the hybrid material are not only dependent of the individual properties of the copolymer and metal but also on the specific orientation of the nanoparticles in the copolymeric matrix. Controlling the metallic elements via self-assembly of the block copolymer also offers the additional possibility for tuning the mechanical, optical, electronic, magnetic, and catalytic properties. The approach described here, is a simple route to prepare a hybrid material system based on self-assembling Polystyrene-block-Polyvinylpyridine (PS-b-P4VP) stabilised Au-nanoparticles in-situ. Measurements using Tapping Mode Atomic force microscopy (TMAFM) on spun-coated thin film confirmed the existence of a large area of highly ordered nanostructures (Nanoporous, Cellular networks, Worm like structures).
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 2, Technical Proceedings of the 2006 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 2
Published: May 7, 2006
Pages: 830 - 832
Industry sectors: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing | Personal & Home Care, Food & Agriculture
Topics: Advanced Materials for Engineering Applications, Composite Materials
ISBN: 0-9767985-7-3