Abstract:

Surface confined growth of metal nanoparticles on a flexible polymeric substrate is an emerging strategy enabling the fabrication of functional materials for diverse range of applications including catalysis, sensing, flexible electronics, and flexible energy storage and energy producing devices. We are developing strategies for growing silver (Ag), nickel (Ni), platinum (Pt), and palladium (Pd) nanoparticles from the surface of polyethyleneimine (PEI) functionalized flexible polypropylene (PP) films (PEI-PP-films). The PP films are being functionalized via UV-printing with robust coatings isocyanate groups containing monomer. The surface isocyanate groups are being subsequently reacted to immobilize PEI on the surface of PP films. The surfaces immobilized with PEI are then subjected to surface confined growth of metal nanoparticles via simple wet impregnation method. Various conditions influencing the growth rate, size and density of NPs are being optimized to achieve uniform size and optimum distribution of surface confined metal NPs. The developed materials are being characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, UV/Vis spectroscopy, water contact angle goniometer, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Ni, Pt, and Pd NPs functionalized flexible films are being evaluated for their catalytic properties while Ag NPs functionalized films are being employed as Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) sensor. The outcomes of this work will lay foundation for the future development of a wide range of functional flexible materials.

Thesis Committee

• Dr. Basit Yameen (supervisor)
• Dr. Irshad Hussain (thesis committee member)
• Dr. Salman Noshear Arshad (thesis committee member)