Template functions of particle monolayers on hydrophobic solid substrates

The template function of cationic particle monolayers bearing quaternary ammonium groups on their surfaces towards anionic colloids was investigated in this paper. Monodispersed cationic polymer particles having quaternary ammonium groups were self-organized on octadecylated glass plates through hydrophobic interaction. The morphology of the resulting particle monolayers was changed by tuning hydrophilic–hydrophobic balance of particles to fabricate aggregated type and dispersed type of particle monolayers. Gold and silver colloids were selectively deposited onto the particle monolayers through electrostatic interaction. The deposited gold and silver colloids on particle monolayers showed plasmon absorbance. Fluorescent silica colloids were also selectively deposited on particle monolayers to permit fluorescence labeling of the particle monolayers. Cationic particle monolayers fabricated on hydrophobic solid octadecylated were found to effectively work as templates for the deposition of above mentioned inorganic colloids.