Synthesis of Polystyrene-based Nanocomposite Thin Films with Domain Structure Consisting of Au Nanoparticles

Abstract

We have presented a very simple approach, the incorporation of metal complex into polymer matrix followed by thermal decomposition of complex, to the fabrication of metal nanoparticles/polymer composite thin films and have determined their domain structure. The approach involves the polymerization of monomer with metal complex into polymerized matrix, and annealing in vacuum condition. Here, the key is to use a gold (I) complex with phenyl groups that have strong interaction between metal complexes. This method allows us to synthesize Au nanoparticles dispersed in polystyrene-based polymer thin films with Au domain structures.