Surface Modification-Based Synthesis and Microstructural Tuning of Nanocomposite Layers:  Monodispersed Copper Nanoparticles in Polyimide Resins

A new approach for the preparation of composite layers of polymide film and copper nanoparticles that relies on surface chemical modification, ion exchange, and hydrogen-induced reduction is described. Annealing in a hydrogen atmosphere after incorporation of Cu2+ ions into the modified polymide surface yields well-formed composite layers of relatively uniform thickness containing monodispersed Cu nanoparticles, accompanied by re-imidization of the modified layers.