Nonlithographic Fabrication of Nanostructured Micropatterns via Breath Figures and Solution Growth

Abstract

Micropatterning techniques independent of high-cost facilities are highly appreciated in bioanalysis and optoelectronics. Here we report a novel nonlithographic method based on self-assembled honeycomb films with through pores for micropatterning of zinc oxide nanowires (ZnO NWs). The ordered films were prepared via the breath figure method and used as templates for the solution growth of ZnO NWs. The resultant ZnO NW micropatterns were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and photoluminescence spectrometry. Room-temperature photoluminescence spectra indicate that the micropatterned ZnO NWs show greatly enhanced near-band-edge emission and have potential as high-efficiency blue or near-UV light emitters. This facile and versatile approach is further demonstrated by templating biomimetic hydroxyapatite and silver nanoparticles on polydopamine-coated substrates. This work provides an alternative route to fabricating micropatterned functional surfaces at low cost and high efficiency.

Breath Figure: A Nature-Inspired Preparation Method for Ordered Porous Films

“…Based on this templating technique, Wan et al developed a nonlithographic method to prepare micropatterned ZnO nanowires (ZnO NWs) with through-pore BFAs as a mask. 32 The hexagonally ordered BFA films with perforated pore structures were transferred onto Si wafers coated with a ZnO seed layer. In the subsequent hydrothermal growth, vertically aligned ZnO NW arrays were formed in the mesh areas.…”

Fabrication of Perforated Isoporous Membranes via a Transfer-Free Strategy: Enabling High-Resolution Separation of Cells

“…Polystyrene-based amphiphilic diblock copolymers (e.g., PS-b-PDMAEMA) are good candidates for membrane formation. 26,55 However, it is known that polystyrene films are fragile, especially for those films with highly porous structures. SIS is a commercially available elastomer and has been well demonstrated as an ideal material for constructing robust honeycomb films on nonplanar substrates.…”

Ordered Honeycomb‐Pattern Membrane†

“…Self‐assembly of nanomaterials based on BF membrane. [ 150,152‐154 ] Copyright © 2010, American Chemical Society, © 2018, Elsevier Ltd, © 2014, American Chemical Society.…”