title: A comparative study of two different approaches for the incorporation of silver nanoparticles into layer-by-layer films.
abstract: In this work, a comparative study about the incorporation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) into thin films is presented using two alternative methods, the in situ synthesis process and the layer-by-layer embedding deposition technique. The influence of several parameters such as color of the films, thickness evolution, thermal post-treatment, or distribution of the AgNPs along the coatings has been studied. Thermal post-treatment was used to induce the formation of hydrogel-like AgNPs-loaded thin films. Cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy micrographs, atomic force microscopy images, and UV-vis spectra reveal significant differences in the size and distribution of the AgNPs into the films as well as the maximal absorbance and wavelength position of the localized surface plasmon resonance absorption bands before and after thermal post-treatment. This work contributes for a better understanding of these two approaches for the incorporation of AgNPs into thin films using wet chemistry.
authors: Nanostructured Optical Devices Laboratory, Electric and Electronic Engineering Department, Public University of Navarra, Edif. Los Tejos, Campus Arrosadía, Pamplona 31006, Spain.
authors: Pedro Jose
authors: PJ
authors: Rivero
authors: Nanostructured Optical Devices Laboratory, Electric and Electronic Engineering Department, Public University of Navarra, Edif. Los Tejos, Campus Arrosadía, Pamplona 31006, Spain.
authors: Javier
authors: J
authors: Goicoechea
authors: Nanostructured Optical Devices Laboratory, Electric and Electronic Engineering Department, Public University of Navarra, Edif. Los Tejos, Campus Arrosadía, Pamplona 31006, Spain.
authors: Ignacio Raul
authors: IR
authors: Matias
authors: Nanostructured Optical Devices Laboratory, Electric and Electronic Engineering Department, Public University of Navarra, Edif. Los Tejos, Campus Arrosadía, Pamplona 31006, Spain.
authors: Francisco Javier
authors: FJ
authors: Arregui
keywords: In situ synthesis process; Layer-by-layer embedding deposition technique; Silver nanoparticles; Thin films