Plasma synthesis of coated metal nanoparticles with surface properties tailored for dispersion

Abstract

A method to produce copper nanoparticles coated with an organic plasma polymer layer is presented. The reaction mechanism for plasma polymerization of ethylene glycol is elucidated, and hydroxyl, methanol and ethanol radicals are shown to be present in the RF discharge. UV radiation is shown to have a significant effect on radical formation. Empirical evidence suggests that nanoparticles exhibit enhanced reactivity. Contact angle measurements of coated particles deposited onto copper collection surfaces show hydrophilic or hydrophobic properties when ethylene glycol or ethane, respectively, is used as the precursor gas. Such properties facilitate dispersion into other media by improving the interaction between the solid and liquid phases. A picture is presented. © 2008 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.