Atre S.V., Valmikanathan O.P., Pillai V.K., Mulla I.S., Ostroverkhova O.
Oregon Nanoscience & Microtechnologies Institute, US
Keywords: electrical conductivity, glass transition temperature, nanocomposites, transmittance
We report the synthesis of palladium (Pd)/polycarbonate (PC) nanocomposites as well as their morphological, thermal, optical and electrical properties. Pd nanoclusters were produced by the reduction of palladium chloride using a variation of the Brust’s method. Isolated Pd nanoclusters were formed in the absence of PC in the reaction mixture (ex situ method) while agglomeration of Pd nanoclusters was noticed in the presence of PC in the reaction mixture (in situ method). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) of the in situ film samples revealed unique chemical interactions of Pd nanoclusters with the carbonyl group of the polymer. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicates the presence of Pd significantly improves the thermal stability of the nanocomposites, as evidenced by the enhanced onset of degradation. The glass transition temperature (Tg), as determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), decreases. The optical properties of nanocomposites at various Pd nanocluster concentrations were found to be dependent on the distribution. The electrical conductivity shows a dramatic difference between these nanocomposites revealing a semi-conducting nature for the in situ sample and an insulating nature for the ex situ sample.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 1, Technical Proceedings of the 2007 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 1
Published: May 20, 2007
Pages: 158 - 161
Industry sectors: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing | Sensors, MEMS, Electronics
Topics: Nanoelectronics, Photonic Materials & Devices
ISBN: 1-4200-6182-8