Formation of Cu-based nanoparticles during imidization of PAA into PI in the various environments

Abstract

A new method has been recently developed to fabricate highly dense nano-sized Cu2O particles in a polyimide film. Cu2O nanoparticles formed from the reaction of polyamic acid with a metal thin film and subsequent curing. In this paper, we report that both Cu2O and metallic Cu nanoparticles can be formed depending on the curing environment. When the N-2 flow rate was very low during curing, Cu2O nanoparticles formed. Meanwhile, Cu nanocrystals were formed during curing in the N-2 atmosphere employing a high flow rate or in a vacuum. Optical absorption spectra showed the surface plasmon resonance peak from metallic Cu nanoparticles at around 580-600 nm. Our results showed that Cu nanoparticles as well as Cu oxide nanoparticles can be formed by controlling the curing environment.