Silane Coupling Agent for Uniform Metal Nanoparticle Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods fail to effectively support and fix metal nanoparticles uniformly on a substrate, which is crucial for applications like precise control of magnetic fine particles and formation of electrically-conductive films.
Innovation Solution
Applying a silane coupling agent with metal-trapping ability to a substrate, followed by contacting it with metal nanoparticles covered in an ionic liquid, allows for the stable fixation of metal nanoparticles without oxidation, using functional groups like imidazole, amino, or mercapto groups.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional techniques are used to deposit metal nanoparticles on a substrate, then the nanoparticles can be produced, but they cannot be uniformly supported and fixed on the substrate
Solution Approach 1:
A silane coupling agent is introduced as an intermediary substance between the substrate and metal nanoparticles. The coupling agent contains functional groups that chemically bind to both the substrate surface and the metal nanoparticles, creating a stable interface that enables uniform distribution and secure fixation of nanoparticles on the substrate.
Solution Approach 2:
The chemical properties of the substrate surface are changed by applying a silane coupling agent coating. This modifies the surface chemistry to include metal-trapping functional groups, transforming the substrate from an incompatible surface to one that can effectively bind and uniformly distribute metal nanoparticles.
2Stability of the object's composition
If metal nanoparticles are stabilized with a protective coating, then they are protected from oxidation, but they cannot be effectively fixed on the substrate
Solution Approach 1:
The silane coupling agent acts as a mediator that bridges the protective coating and the substrate. It contains functional groups that can interact with the metal nanoparticles (either directly or through their protective coating) and simultaneously bind to the substrate, enabling fixation while maintaining the protective stabilization of the nanoparticles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system forms a composite structure consisting of the substrate, silane coupling agent layer, and metal nanoparticles with protective coating. This multi-layer composite enables both protection of the nanoparticles and their secure fixation on the substrate through the interfacial coupling agent.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method enables uniform support and stabilization of metal nanoparticles on a substrate, preventing undesired reactions and facilitating the formation of precise magnetic and conductive structures, such as LSI wiring.
Implementation Method 1
applying, to a substrate, a silane coupling agent having at least one functional group with metal-trapping ability per molecule
Implementation Method 2
bringing metal nanoparticles into contact with the substrate
Implementation Method 3
the metal nanoparticles brought into contact with the substrate are covered with an ionic liquid
Data Source
AI summary
A metal nano particle can be supported and immobilized on a substrate uniformly. Thus, disclosed is a method for supporting a nano metal particle, which comprises applying a silane coupling agent having at least one functional group capable of capturing a metal (e.g., an imidazole group, an amino group, a diamino group, a mercapto group, and a vinyl group) in its molecule on a substrate, and then contacting the silane coupling agent with a nano particle of a metal (e.g., gold, platinum, silver, copper, palladium, nickel, cobalt), wherein the silane coupling agent may be produced by the reaction between an azole compound with an epoxysilane compound, and wherein the metal nano particle to be contacted with the silane coupling agent is preferably coated with an ionic fluid. Also disclosed is a substrate having a metal nano particle supported thereon, which is produced by the method.