Layer formation and morphology of ultrasonic spray coated polystyrene nanoparticle layers

• Published in: Physica status solidi. A, Applications and materials science Vol. 213; no. 6; pp. 1441 - 1446
• Main Authors: Stryckers, J., D'Olieslaeger, L., Silvano, J. V. M., Apolinario, C. K., Laranjeiro, A. C. G., Gruber, J., D'Haen, J., Manca, J., Ethirajan, A., Deferme, W.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Weinheim Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.06.2016; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: Deposition; Dispersions; Droplets; mini-emulsions; Morphology; Nanoparticles; Nanostructure; polystyrene; Spray coating; Sprays; thin films; ultrasonic spray coating
• ISSN: 1862-6300; 1862-6319
• DOI: 10.1002/pssa.201533026

Nanoparticles have been increasingly studied due to their unique properties. The deposition of uniform layers with these nanoparticles however is a crucial step in many of their applications. In this work, ultrasonic spray coating is the technique of choice as it is by design well‐suited for the deposition of nano‐suspension dispersions. The influence of different deposition parameters, ink composition and post‐treatment are subject of study in this paper. It is shown in this work that (mass‐) production of uniform nanoparticle layers is possible due to the narrow distribution of the droplet size and the deagglomeration of the particles during ultrasonic spray coating. It is also demonstrated that with ultrasonic spray coating it is possible to deposit an eco‐friendly, water‐based nanoparticle ink into layers with desired thickness and morphology.