Formation of Metallic Nanostructures in Organic Matrix by Vapour and Plasma Phase Deposition and its Modification by Swift Heavy Iron Irradiation

• Applicants: Professor Dr. Franz Faupel; Dr. Dietmar Fink
• Subject Area: Physical Chemistry of Solids and Surfaces, Material Characterisation
• Term: from 2005 to 2010
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 13818903

Recently, there is much interest in nanocomposite materials consisting of metal nanoparticles dispersed in a polymer matrix due to their novel functional properties. This research project is concerned with producing polymer-based metal containing nanocomposites and the nanostructural modifications upon swift heavy ion irradiations. In particular, we will strive for approaches that allow formation of nanocomposites of well defined compositions. Two solvent free central methods of vapor phase codeposition and plasma phase codeposition will be investigated in parallel for simultaneous deposition of metal and polymer. These complimentary codeposition techniques are expected to lead to develop nanocomposite materials with the desired and optimized compositions and to establish new facts by simultaneous studies with the two production methods. Preparatory studies already carried out in this direction have demonstrated the feasibility of the above approaches. Investigations will also be carried out to gain the ability to tailor the nanostructures by ion beam irradiation in order to bring new changes in the quantum size effects at very low additional costs. A number of useful new quantum optical and electronic devices are expected to emerge.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: India, USA
• Participating Persons: Dr. Devesh K. Avasthi; Dr.-Ing. Abhijit Biswas; Professor Dr. Santanu Ghose; D. Kabiraj