Pattern formation of silver nanoparticles in 1-, 2-, and 3D microstructures fabricated by a photo- and thermal reduction method

Abstract

One-, two-, and three-dimensional microstructures with dispersed silver nanoparticles are fabricated by a combination of photopatterning and thermal treatment from a silver salt containing photosensitive epoxy resin. Ultraviolet photo-irradiation and subsequent thermal treatment are combined to control the rate of silver salt reduction, the size and the arrangement of nanoparticles, as well as the reticulation of the epoxy resin. This approach allows the creation of high resolution 1-, 2-, and 3D patterns containing silver nanoparticles, with a homogeneous distribution of nanoparticles regardless of the irradiated area.