Synthesis of Cu and CuO nanoclusters within microphase-separated diblock copolymers

A general methodology has been established for the synthesis of 40–120 A Cu nanoclusters within the morphologies of [MTD]400[NORCOOH]50 and [MTD]400[NORCOONa]50 diblock copolymer films. In this technique the films are soaked in aqueous copper(II) acetate solutions prior to reduction of the sequestered Cu2+ ions. A loading of 4.2 wt% Cu in the overall polymer–Cu composite was achieved in the case of [MTD]400[NORCOONa]50, during a single loading and reduction sequence. Upon exposure of the films to air, the polymer-imbedded Cu nanoclusters oxidize to form CuO. The transparent polymer–CuO composite films exhibit a broad absorption in the near-infrared region and may have potential applications as near-infrared filters.