Multifunctionalized Self-supported (Nano) Membranes as Integrated Platform for Plasmonic Metamaterials

We considered the possibility to fabricate multifunctional nanocomposite membranes as a platform for plasmonic metamaterials, simultaneously incorporating pores, built-in functional groups and active nanoparticles. To this purpose we combined lamination and inclusion of nanofillers into the membrane host. For the basic material we chose macroporous crosslinked copolymers based on glycidyl methacrylate (GMA). The epoxy group present in GMA molecule is readily transformed into various functional groups that further serve as affinity enhancers, ensuring the usability of the membranes as pre-concentrators of selected agents in plasmonic sensors. To form GMA-based membranes we used a recently proposed method combining the traditional immersion precipitation with photopolymerization and crosslinking of functional monomers. Further functionalization is obtained by in-situ formation of noble metal nanoparticles directly within the GMA host. In this way membranes with simultaneous plasmonic, adsorbent and catalytic functionality are obtained. We considered the use of the our structures for plasmonic chemical sensors where separator, pre-concentrator and binding agent are integrated with the plasmonic crystal, as well as for plasmonic enhancement of photocatalytic reactions in microreactors. Our approach gives a highly tailorable element compatible with microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technologies and readily transferable across platforms.