Chemistry Inside a Polymer Thin Film: In Situ Soft Chemical Synthesis of Metal Nanoparticles and Applications

Abstract

This chapter describes the versatility of the in situ approach developed in the laboratory over the past few years, for the generation of noble metal nanoparticles within a polymer thin film using soft chemistry carried out within the film. The chapter discusses the utilization of the polymer itself as the reducing agent and stabilizer for the formation of metal nanoparticles. It focuses on mild thermal annealing used for the precursor-to-product transformation. The chapter explains the feasibility of fabricating free-standing nanocomposite thin films, and the environmentally benign conditions of synthesis. The chapter also discusses the facile monitoring of the chemistry within the polymer film and the nanoparticle formation, through spectroscopy and microscopy tools. It further describes the unique and superior advantages of employing the nanoparticle-embedded polymer thin film in sensing, catalysis, and antibacterial applications, exploiting the chemical processes within the film. Finally, the chapter highlights the applications of organic-inorganic hybrid materials.