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A lithographic technique is described that enables the highly selective patterning of thin films from gold nanoparticles and organic linker molecules, which are formed via repetitive self-assembly from organic solution. The key element of this method is the application of a calcium oxide∕hydroxide mask, which withstands the application of organic solvents during film deposition and which prevents deposition of nanoparticles on protected parts of the substrate. After film assembly the mask is removed by dissolution in water at room temperature. The method was used to pattern chemiresistor-type vapor sensors based on gold nanoparticle∕nonanedithiol films. Comparative experiments with nonpatterned reference sensors reveal that the patterning process does not degrade the sensing properties of the films.

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Small amounts of silver ions have been found to significantly enhance the growth rate of vanadium pentoxide (V(2)O(5)) nanofibres in aqueous solution at room temperature, yielding fibres with lengths of several micrometers within a few days; the V(2)O(5) fibres are decorated with silver nanoparticles with sizes in the range of 5-15 nm, which opens perspectives for applications in chemical sensors.