Plasma chemical and chemical functionalization of polystyrene colloidal crystals.

Self-assembling systems of colloidal spheres are widely used as templates for the structured deposition of metals and semiconductors. Multilayer samples of ordered polystyrene spheres are prepared by a flow induced process. The subsequent surface activation by a dielectric barrier discharge in oxygen is followed by the fabrication of protecting polysiloxane layers. Electrochemical deposition of copper is used to test the stability of the pre-treated colloidal crystal. The arrangement of the spheres is preserved during the deposition process, due to the polysiloxane layer. The results of the consecutive preparation steps are investigated concerning topographical and chemical changes by atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.