Photopolymerization of conductive metal nanoparticles

PHYS 506

Xichen Cai, xichenc@bgsu.edu, Kelechi C Anyaogu, akelech@bgnet.bgsu.edu, and Douglas C. Neckers, neckers@photo.bgsu.edu. Center for Photochemical Sciences, Bowling Green State University, 132 Overman Hall, Bowling Green, OH 43403
Polymeric conductive nanomaterials are expected to have various applications as chemical or biosensors, in transistors and switches, as photovoltaic cells, electrochromic devices, and optically conducting materials. However, the synthesis of conductive nanomaterials in a desired two- or three-dimensional structure remains a challenge. In general, chemical and electrochemical polymerization are common methods to produce conducting polymers in which nanoparticles (NPs) are embedded. We report herein the photopolymerization of 5-mercapto-2,2'-bithiophene (BTSH) functionalized metal (Au, Ag, and Cu) NPs. The three-dimensional structure of aggregated NPs was identified using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Electron transfer from ligand to metal was confirmed by femtosecond transient absorption measurements. Ligand radical cation coupling caused the linking of the metal nanoparticles. Photopolymerization of BTSH functionalized metal NPs provides a useful method for making two- or three-dimensional designs of conductive polymeric nanomaterials.
 

PHYS Poster Session - Nanostructured Materials and Nanophotonics
7:30 PM-10:00 PM, Wednesday, April 9, 2008 Morial Convention Center -- Hall A, Poster

Sci-Mix
8:00 PM-10:00 PM, Monday, April 7, 2008 Morial Convention Center -- Hall A, Sci-Mix

Division of Physical Chemistry

The 235th ACS National Meeting, New Orleans, LA, April 6-10, 2008