Simple and rapid electroless metallization on glass using catecholic-based chemistry

Abstract

This report details the metallization of copper and silver on substrates by electroless plating using dopamine as the precursor. An optimized parameter have been achieved for the process where the substrate undergoes 24 hours of polydopamine coating and 24 hours of metallization in metal salt solution. The coated substrates are visually inspected and tested using Ellipsometry. Controlled experiment was carried out to investigate the need of dopamine as the precursor for electroless plating. Several testing such as XRD, SEM and EDX were conducted to prove the presence of metal elements coated on the surface of the substrate. ASTM D4541 Pull-Off Test was conducted to test for the adherent of coating on the substrate. Electroless copper plating is subsequently successfully fabricated on an art work of recycled glass, using the optimized parameter obtained.