Nanosize metal particles in novel dielectric metal-polymer materials

Three synthetic methods have been developed for embedding nanosize metal particles into polymers: (i) in situ synthesis of colloidal silver in cross-linked poly(acrylamide) gels, (ii) implantation of cryochemically produced silver nanoparticles into poly(acrylamide) gels, and (iii) encapsulation of metal nanoparticles in poly(p-xylylene) films. All methods allow one to produce 3-20 nm stable clusters embedded into bulk materials, thin films or fine metal-polymer particles dispersed in organic solvents. Some physical properties of the metal-polymer systems are discussed.