Structure and properties of thin-film metal-poly(p-xylylene) hybrid nanocomposites

Thin-film hybrid metal-poly(p-xylylene) composites synthesized by vacuum co-condensation were examined. It was demonstrated that the structure of the composites consists of a matrix comprised of polymer globules and inorganic filler nanoparticles. The shape, structure, and size of the polymer globules depend on the film thickness and the nature of the filler nanoparticles. Studying the conductivity of these materials demonstrated that it is determined by hopping conduction via surface states of the matrix. At high frequencies of the voltage applied (above 500 Hz), the electric conduction characteristics depend appreciably on the processes of recharging of the surface states of the matrix and of the nanoparticle-matrix interfaces. Tests of lithium battery anodes prepared from nanocomposites showed that these materials are promising for manufacturing chemical current sources.