Noncovalent deposition of nanoporous Ni membranes on spatially organized poly(p-xylylene) film templates

Experimental results relating to the fabrication and characterization of nanoporous Ni membranes templated by conformal electroless (EL) metallization of poly(chloro-p-xylylene) (PPX-C) nanostructured thin films (NTF) were presented. The metallization process is well described through previous models and relies on noncovalent adsorption of metal-binding ligands to NTFs to covalently anchor the Pd catalyst required for EL Ni deposition. Direct chemical modification of PPX-C leading to potential degradation of its biocompatible surface was avoided while maintaining Ni adhesion and control of the metal/polymer interface. Results showed that the fabrication of films of other metals, oxides, and biomolecules by electroless, CVD, or direct-binding methods is possible, provided that suitable 'ligand' absorbates are available to template material deposition.