Co-deposition of polydopamine–polyethyleneimine coatings as an adhesion layer for electroless deposition on polyethylene naphthalate substrates

Abstract This paper presents on surface modification of polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) substrates by polydopamine–polyethyleneimine (PDA–PEI) coatings for electroless deposition (ELD). PDA-coatings have been employed as an adhesion layer in ELD. Here, we report ELD on PEN substrates whose surfaces are modified by co-deposition of PDA with PEI. PEI seems to contribute to form uniform coating surfaces and to bind a palladium nanoparticle catalyst, resulting in depositing adhesive metal films. This ELD system is potentially applicable to manufacturing flexible electronics.