Free-Standing Thin Films Containing Hexagonally Organized Silver Nanocrystals in a Polymer Matrix

The successful preparation of novel thin nanocomposite films containing continuous periodic arrays of self-assembled silver nanocrystals in a polystyrene (PS) matrix is reported in this communication. The Figure shows a photo of a thin nanocomposite Ag–PS film supported by a wire loop. The simple and rapid synthetic procedure described here should be applicable to a variety of metal or semiconductor–polymer nanocomposite systems.