Responsive polymer/gold nanoparticle composite thin films fabricated by solvent-induced self-assembly and spin-coating

Self-assembled poly(4-vinylpyridine)-grafted gold (Au) nanoparticles (NPs) and polystyrene-b-poly(4-vinylpyridine) block copolymers were fabricated by the introduction of a selective solvent to a common solution. The assembled mixtures were spin-coated onto solid substrates to fabricate composite gold/polymer thin films composed of copolymer-hybridized Au NPs and independent copolymer micelles. The obtained composite Au thin films had variable localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) bands and microscopic morphologies upon vapor annealing with selective solvents because the adsorption and dissolving of solvent molecules into the films could rearrange the copolymer block. The hybrid nanostructured Au thin films may have potential in vapor sensing and organic assays.

Responsive composite gold nanofilms were fabricated by cooperative self-assembly of poly(4-vinylpyridine) grafted gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) and poly(4-vinylpyridine)-b-polystyrene block copolymers.Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (177 K)Download as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights
► Cooperative self-assembly of responsive Au NPs and block copolymers was demonstrated.
► Composite Au thin films consisting of PVP-hybridized Au NPs and PS-b-PVP micelles were generated.
► Thin Au films have responsive surface plasmon resonance and morphology changes to vapor molecules.