Introduction of Nitrogen-Containing Functional Groups onto Ag Particles by Low-Temperature Plasma

Abstract

For the purpose of the introduction of nitrogen-containing functional groups on Ag particle, we treated it with low-temperature plasma by three steps. In the first step, Ag particle was treated with H2O plasma. After the treatment, some oxygen-containing functional groups such as hydroxy and carboxy groups were found on the Ag particle surface, which became hydrophilic. As the second step, triethoxyvinylsilane was adsorbed on the surface of the H2O-plasma-treated Ag particle, which became hydrophobic. In the final step, the Ag particle was treated with NH3 plasma, resulted in hydrophilic surface. The surfaces of the Ag particles were analyzed mainly with XPS, and their dispersibility was examined. From the XPS analysis, some nitrogen-containing functional groups were found to be introduced on Ag particle. This Ag particle is expected to be applied for conductive adhesives and many other fields as a functional powder.