Preparation of poly(p-xylylene) TUFT-tubes containing Palladium, Silver, or Copper Nanoparticles

Abstract

Poly(p-xylylene) (PPX) tubes with palladium nanoparticles were prepared by the so-called TUFT process (tubes by fiber templates process) and subsequent heating steps. Poly(L-lactide) (PLA) with palladium diacetate (Pd(OAc)₂ as soluble precursor for Pd was electrospun to form composite fibers. The Pd precursor loaded PLA fibers were coated by PPX via chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Two annealing procedures were applied to these electrospun composite fibers. Firstly, electrospun PPX / Pd(OAc)₂ fibers were annealed at 170°C for 4 hours under argon atmosphere for the conversion of Pd(OAc)₂ to Pd nanoparticles. Subsequently, the PLA template fibers were removed by annealing at 360°C for 4 hours under vacuum. The resulting PPX tubes were doped by Pd nanoparticles distributed along the inside of the PPX tubes. However, deposition of Pd nanoparticles on the outside of the PPX nanotubes was observed when the otherwise infinitely long composite precursor PPX / Pd / PLA tubes were cut at the ends prior to annealing. Following the same concept PPX / Ag and PPX / Cu tubes were prepared.

Dedicated to Professor Dr. W. Ruland on the occasion of his 80th birthday