Abstract
A novel and facile wet-chemical method for the preparation of Au thin films is presented. These Au thin films were deposited on glass substrates by the gravitational sedimentation of Au colloids. The colloids were formed by chemical reduction in ethanol using HAuCl4 and NaBH4 with no added surfactants. Without stabilizing agents the colloids quickly aggregated, settled to the bottom and formed a thin film. The sedimentation of the colloids was monitored using UV-vis spectroscopy. Thin films with Au loads ranging between 0.25 and 4.0 g m-2 were prepared and characterized by means of UV-vis spectroscopy, electrical resistance measurements, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and cyclic voltammetry. The results showed that nanostructured Au films with a very high specific surface area were formed. The films were electrically conductive and partially transparent to visible light.
Highlights
Ever since 1857, when Michael Faraday studied thin Au films on glass and their interaction with visible light, Au thin films have been intensively investigated.[1]
We focused on a novel method for thin-film preparation based on colloid sedimentation
Since any movement of the liquid could distort the formation of the Au film, the vessel was not moved during the sedimentation
Summary
Ever since 1857, when Michael Faraday studied thin Au films on glass and their interaction with visible light, Au thin films have been intensively investigated.[1]. Different applications require different properties of the Au thin films. They must be continuous in order to act as conductive corrosion-protection coatings for electrical contacts in electronic devices.[8] In photovoltaic devices, the films have to be highly conductive and highly transparent. A large specific surface area is crucial for Au films that are to be used as electrochemical sensors or catalysts. Specific optical properties are required, which are characteristic for films with isolated Au nanoparticles
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