Electrophoretic deposition of CdSe nanocrystal films onto dielectric polymer thin films

The electrophoretic deposition of cadmium selenide (CdSe) nanocrystal films from a stable hexane suspension onto a dielectric polymer film is reported. The electrodes were prepared by spin casting a ~ 30 nm thick smooth, defect-free, polystyrene film on silicon substrates. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy showed that the CdSe films deposited atop polystyrene possessed morphology comparable to CdSe films deposited on the bare silicon electrodes. Factors affecting deposition, such as nanocrystal charging in suspension and wetting of electrode surfaces, are reviewed. This approach to preparing nanocrystal films onto homogeneous dielectric layers will facilitate the fabrication of novel polymer-nanocrystal composites.