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Updated: Jan 22, 2026

Fabrication of Nano-engineered Transparent Conducting Oxides by Pulsed Laser Deposition
Published on: February 27, 2013
Ultra-high selectivity pulsed plasmachemical deposition reaction pathways.
Andrea Carletto1, Jas Pal S Badyal1
1Chemistry Department, Science Laboratories, Durham University, Durham DH1 3LE, England, UK. j.p.badyal@durham.ac.uk.
This study explores glycidyl methacrylate pulsed plasmas, revealing that low duty cycles initiate polymerization during short electrical pulses. This method enables efficient, chemical-free synthesis of poly(glycidyl methacrylate) thin films at ambient temperatures.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Plasma Science
- Materials Science
Background:
- Pulsed plasma techniques offer controlled environments for chemical synthesis.
- Glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) is a versatile monomer for functional polymer synthesis.
- Conventional polymerization methods often require catalysts, solvents, and elevated temperatures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanism of poly(glycidyl methacrylate) synthesis using pulsed plasma.
- To explore the potential of low duty cycle pulsed plasmas for controlled polymer film deposition.
- To evaluate the efficiency and sustainability of this plasma-chemical approach.
Main Methods:
- Time-resolved in situ mass spectrometry was employed to analyze plasma species.
- Glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) monomer was subjected to pulsed plasma conditions.
- Investigation focused on short electrical discharge pulses (microseconds) and extended off-periods (milliseconds).
Main Results:
- Monomer fragmentation and formation of polymerization initiator species were observed during plasma pulses.
- Step-wise monomer addition polymerization occurred during the off-periods, leading to polymer chain growth.
- Well-defined poly(glycidyl methacrylate) chains were successfully synthesized.
Conclusions:
- Low duty cycle pulsed plasmas enable selective synthesis of poly(glycidyl methacrylate).
- The process is highly efficient, requiring no additional chemicals, low power (mW), and ambient temperatures.
- This approach represents a sustainable and effective method for functional thin film synthesis.
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