Nanoparticles are highly attractive for applications in very diverse fields, ranging from chemical-mechanical polishing of wafers in the semiconductor industry to biomedicine, for example in cancer treatment. Many future applications are envisaged, but have not been realized yet, as the nanomaterials need to be optimized for such applications – with respect to their size and shape homogeneity, but especially in terms of their surface chemistry to ensure best stabilization, dispersibility and compatibility and thus the desired effects and properties. The final properties of the target product may be greatly enhanced by an adaptation of the synthesis and functionalization of nanoparticles. Nanocomposites consisting of inorganic nanostructures embedded in an organic matrix, often possess superior properties compared to the individual components. Thus, ultra-hard nanocomposite coatings may be realized, protecting the underlying material from scratching and wear. An optimum compatibility of the nanoparticles with the organic components throughout all steps of processing is an important prerequisite and ensures good optical properties. The image shows nanocomposites with increasing content of ZrO2– nanoparticles of up to 16 wt.-%. The optical properties thereby greatly depend on the surface chemistry of the nanoparticles.
Nanoparticles are also ideal building blocks for the fabrication of thin films (see right image), for application e.g. as sensors, capacitors or other electronic devices. Using pre-fabricated and stabilized ultra-small nanoparticles, crystalline and mechanically stable thin films can be obtained through low-temperature processing, enabling also the use of temperature-sensitive substrates such as polymers.
Left image: Nanocomposites with increasing content of ZrO2– nanoparticles of 0-16 wt.-%, right: thin film dielectric fabricated from ZrO2– nanoparticles.
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