Plating catalyst and method

Abstract

A solution including a precious metal nanoparticle and a polymer polymerized from at least two monomers, (1) a monomer having two or more carboxyl groups or carboxyl acid salt groups and (2) a monomer which has π electron-available features. The solution is useful for a catalyst of a process for electroless plating a metal on non-conductive surface.

1 - 7 . (canceled) 
     
     
         8 : A process for electroless plating a metal on non-conductive surface, wherein the process comprises the steps:
 a) dipping a substrate to be plated into a catalyst solution comprising precious metal nanoparticles stabilized by a polymer, wherein the polymer is polymerized from at least two monomers, (1) a monomer having two or more carboxyl groups or carboxyl acid salt groups and (2) a monomer selected from the groups consisting of aromatic vinyl monomer, aromatic allyl monomer and alkadiene; and   b) conducting electroless plating of the substrate.   
     
     
         9 : The process of  claim 8 , wherein the monomer (2) is selected from the group consisting of styrene, substituted styrene and butadiene. 
     
     
         10 : The process of  claim 8 , wherein the monomer (1) is maleic acid or salts thereof. 
     
     
         11 : The process of  claim 8 , wherein the precious metal nanoparticles are palladium.