Electrodeposition and optical properties of silver infiltrated photonic nanostructures

In this work we report about the preparation and optical characterization of technologically relevant silver based nanostructures by metal infiltration of monolayered or opal-like templates of polystyrene (PS) latex spheres. Low toxicity electrolytic baths present obvious advantages and facilitate the synthesis, and are therefore, desirable methods for this kind of processes. Silver was reduced from an environmentally friendly solution based on ethylendiaminetetraacetic acid or EDTA using pulse plating electrochemical methods. The morphology of the deposits may be controlled by the pre-treatment process performed before the electrodeposition. Optical reflectance spectroscopy analysis shows that high quality films may be obtained by this method.