Direct micromolding of Pd micro-stripes for electronic applications

A simple, one-step direct micromolding process has been realised to produce highly conducting Pd micro-stripes over large areas on various substrates including flexible polyimide. Under a PDMS micromold, Pd octanethiolate served as a precursor at 250 degrees C, a temperature at which the precursor gets neatly metallised. Thus produced micro-stripes are robust under bending and can be utilised for flexible electronics. Hydrogen sensing by Pd micro-stripes is demonstrated. By electrolessly depositing Cu on the stripes, they can be made to peel off to form free standing Cu-Pd micro-ribbons.