Fabrication of Conducting Polymer Films Containing Gold Nanoparticles with Photo-Induced Patterning

Abstract

A novel multifunctional nanocomposite (P3OT-AuNPs-CI) consisting of gold nanoparticles coated with the conducting polymer poly(3-octylthiophene) and a molecule containing the cinnamate moiety has been developed. The cinnamate moiety is well-known for its photoreactive properties; that is, it can be rendered reactive through exposure to UV irradiation. Photoreactive cross-linking of this moiety results in aggregation of the AuNPs. In this study, we introduce a new approach to patterning the conducting polymer by making use of photoreactive gold nanoparticles. We can obtain patterned P3OT-AuNPs-CI thin films by using this fast and facile UV irradiation system. This new nanocomposite not only provides a convenient patterning technique that offers an alternative to conventional lithography for the patterning of conducting polymers, but is also expected to enable the control of the conductivity in the fabrication of submicro- and microscale electronic devices. We suggest that this new multifunctional nanomaterial can be used in the manufacture of microelectronic devices and circuits, solar cells, diodes, and chemical sensors.