Laser-Induced Precursor Decomposition for Nanoparticle Modification in Polymer Matrix Nanocomposites

摘要

This work investigates processes involved in the modification of palladium nanoparticles in polymer matrix nanocomposites (PMNCs) using continuous wave laser irradiation. Optical excitation of PMNCs containing palladium nanoparticles and palladium precursors resulted in localized decomposition of the palladium precursor and subsequent particle modification as well as particle formation. The photoinduced chemical reactions were performed under vacuum and at various background temperatures. Transmission electron microscopy analysis showed that the particle size and number density increased as the photoprocessing time increased, and the particle formation and growth rates increased as the background temperature increased. Calculations of temperature rise based on photothermal particle heating suggest that the temperature increase facilitates the diffusion of the precursor as well as precursor decomposition. Photocatalytic interactions between particles and the precursor as well as between particles and the polymer were also considered because palladium is a well-known catalyst. The results here demonstrated the possibility of creating patterned nanocomposites with spatially varying properties.