Flexible Multifunctional Superparamagnetic Nanocomposite Films

The synthesis of multi-layer polymer nanocomposite films with multifunctional filler particles was investigated here. The resulted films exhibit the characteristic properties of each component, such as magnetic, luminescent and plasmonic [1]. The filler particles are homogeneously dispersed within the polymer films, allowing for uniform properties along the whole range of the film. Such structures are advantageous for several applications that require multiple functionalities such optical filters, biosensors, luminescent materials. Here, the plasmonic- and luminescent-superparamagnetic nanocomposite are made and performance of these polymer composites is demonstrated. Furthermore, free-standing microstructures can be made by depositing the polymer nanocomposite films on a sacrificial layer. The filler film stays intact after the addition of the polymer, resulting in high-filler-fraction polymer nanocomposites with uniquely homogeneous distribution. Such structures ideal for their integration in micro- and nano-fabrication techniques, for example fr the formation of superparamagnetic cantilevers [2].

References

[1]       Sotiriou, G. A., Hirt, A. M., Lozach, P. Y., Teleki, A., Krumeich, F. & Pratsinis, S. E. Hybrid, silica-coated, Janus-like plasmonic-magnetic nanoparticles. Chem. Mater. 23, 1985-1992 (2011).

[2]       Suter, M., Ergeneman, O., Zürcher, J., Moitzi, C., Pané, S., Rudin, T., Pratsinis, S. E., Nelson, B. J. & Hierold, C. A photopatternable superparamagnetic nanocomposite: Material characterization and fabrication of microstructures. Sens. Act. B-Chem. 156, 433-443 (2011).