Structure-property relationships in Pd/PC nanocomposites based chemical sensors

摘要

In this paper, we study the effect of morphology on the thermal stability of palladium/polycarbonate (Pd/PC) nanocomposites. Pd/PC nanocomposites were synthesized via two different techniques, ex situ and in situ. Discrete Pd nanoclusters of ～15 nm size were formed in the absence of PC in the reaction mixture (ex situ method) while agglomeration of Pd nanoclusters was noticed in the presence of PC in the reaction mixture (in situ method). Variations in thermal stability were noted for the various Pd/PC nanocomposites as a function of their morphology. These results have implications for the operating life-times of chemical sensors containing Pd/PC nanocomposites as active elements.