Insight into Nanoparticle Charging Mechanism in Nonpolar Solvents To Control the Formation of Pt Nanoparticle Monolayers by Electrophoretic Deposition.

We report on the formation of Pt nanoparticle monolayers by electrophoretic deposition from nonpolar solvents. First, the growth kinetics of Pt nanoparticles prepared by the reverse micelle technique are described in detail. Second, a model of nanoparticle charging in nonpolar media is discussed and methods to control the nanoparticle charging are proposed. Finally, essential parameters of the electrophoretic deposition process to control the deposition of nanoparticle monolayers are discussed and mechanisms of their formation are analyzed.

Palladium nanoparticles on InP for hydrogen detection.

Layers of palladium (Pd) nanoparticles on indium phosphide (InP) were prepared by electrophoretic deposition from the colloid solution of Pd nanoparticles. Layers prepared by an opposite polarity of deposition showed different physical and morphological properties. Particles in solution are separated and, after deposition onto the InP surface, they form small aggregates. The size of the aggregates is dependent on the time of deposition. If the aggregates are small, the layer has no lateral conductance. Forward and reverse I-V characteristics showed a high rectification ratio with a high Schottky barrier height. The response of the structure on the presence of hydrogen was monitored.