High-resolution nanotransfer printing applicable to diverse surfaces via interface-targeted adhesion switching

Abstract

Nanotransfer printing technology offers outstanding simplicity and throughput in the fabrication of transistors, metamaterials, epidermal sensors and other emerging devices. Nevertheless, the development of a large-area sub-50 nm nanotransfer printing process has been hindered by fundamental reliability issues in the replication of high-resolution templates and in the release of generated nanostructures. Here we present a solvent-assisted nanotransfer printing technique based on high-fidelity replication of sub-20 nm patterns using a dual-functional bilayer polymer thin film. For uniform and fast release of nanostructures on diverse receiver surfaces, interface-specific adhesion control is realized by employing a polydimethylsiloxane gel pad as a solvent-emitting transfer medium, providing unusual printing capability even on biological surfaces such as human skin and fruit peels. Based on this principle, we also demonstrate reliable printing of high-density metallic nanostructures for non-destructive and rapid surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy analyses and for hydrogen detection sensors with excellent responsiveness.

Non-native three-dimensional block copolymer morphologies

“…Our paradigm uses iterative assembly of BCP films, where each layer acts as both a structural component in the final morphology and a template that guides subsequent self-assembling layers. This is different from other layered-assembly approaches: one extreme is the simple stacking of independently ordered layers (layer-by-layer)891011121314, which squanders the adaptive nature of self-assembly; on the other extreme is the direct replication of the first-layer pattern by subsequent layers (epitaxy)151617, which cannot access non-native morphologies. Here, we present an intermediate ‘responsive layering' approach that leverages the adaptive nature of soft materials, with each layer responding in a controlled fashion to those underneath.…”

Transfer printing techniques for flexible and stretchable inorganic electronics

“…Another type of transfer printing technique involving surface chemistry with a much more simplified process is the tape transfer printing, where solvent releasable tapes 13,65,66 or thermal releasable tapes 10,67 are used as stamps. Figures 3b-1 66 shows the typical transfer printing process based on a commercially available solvent releasable adhesive tape to retrieve and print devices with high yields.…”

Printing nanostructured carbon for energy storage and conversion applications

“…It has recently become a popular technique for printing a wide variety of materials, including graphene [46], carbon nanotubes [47], quantum dots [48], DNA [49], and metal nanostructures [50]. While inkjet and screen printing are limited to resolutions of approximately 12 μm and 40 μm [27,51], respectively, transfer printing can be used to pattern features below 100 nm [52,53].…”