Thermal stability of gold-PS nanocomposites thin films

Low-temperature transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies were performed on polystyrene (PS, Mw = 234 K) — Au nanoparticle composite thin films that were annealed up to 350°C under reduced pressure conditions. The composite thin films were prepared by wet chemical approach and the samples were then subsequently spin-coated on a carbon-coated copper grid for TEM measurements. TEM measurements were performed at liquid nitrogen temperatures to reduce the electron-beam-induced radiation damage. The results showed a marginal increase in Au nanoparticle diameter (2.3 nm–3.6 nm) and more importantly, an improved thermal stability of the polystyrene (PS) composite film much above its glass transition temperature.