Patent ID: 9169566
Filing Date: 2015-10-27
Classification: C23C,Y10T

Abstract:
1. Method for spatially resolving an enlargement of precious metal nanoparticles that are present on a substrate, comprising the following steps: a) providing a substrate coated with the precious metal nanoparticles, b) optionally functionalizing the substrate with an agent that supports adhesion of the precious metal nanoparticles to the substrate, c) contacting the substrate with a precious metal salt solution, d) UV irradiating of the substrate in contact with the precious metal salt solution, thus creating a reduction of the precious metal salt and a currentless deposition of elemental precious metal on the precious metal nanoparticles and corresponding growth of the precious metal nanoparticles in irradiated regions of the substrate, and e) optionally using a mask to bring about a localized growth of the precious metal nanoparticles in predetermined regions of the substrate, wherein the precious metal salt solution is an aqueous metal salt solution to which is added a C1-C10 alcohol which during or after the UV irradiating step forms organic radicals that serve as reducing agents for precious metal ions.