Hybrid nanoparticle film material

A new hybrid material consisting of a nanoparticle film on a flexible, porous substrate is formed. The hybrid nanoparticle films are non-redispersable in solvents, yet remain porous and flexible. Visually, the hybrid films are highly reflective and metallic gold in appearance. However, the electronic properties of the films are characteristic for materials made from separate, non-sintered nanoparticles. Films of large area (several tens of cm(2)) and several microns in thickness can be formed. The method of formation is based on cross-linking gold nanoparticles using alkane-dithiols followed by filtration onto nanoporous supports. The films were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and resistance measurements. The effect of the ratio of alkane-dithiol cross-linker to gold nanoparticles on the resistance of the nanoparticle films was also studied.