Hybrid TiO2/metal nanoparticle microstructures made by microcontact printing, absorption and electroless deposition

Abstract

Patterns of TiO₂ nanoparticles were obtained by microcontact printing on glass and silicon surfaces. The TiO₂ nanoparticle layer was crosslinked with a bifunctional organic ligand and microstructured with tuneable shape and thickness. Furthermore, the TiO₂ nanoparticle pattern could be used as a template for the in situ preparation of hybrid TiO₂/metal (Au, Ag, Fe) nanoparticle microstructures on surfaces by absorption and reduction of metal salts. Finally, electroless deposition was carried out on micropatterned TiO₂/Au nanoparticles to obtain conductive Cu wires.