Rapid prototyping of all-solution-processed multi-lengthscale electrodes using polymer-induced thin film wrinkling

Abstract

Three-dimensional electrodes that are controllable over multiple lengthscales are very important for use in bioanalytical systems that integrate solid-phase devices with solution-phase samples. Here we present a fabrication method based on all-solution-processing and thin film wrinkling using smart polymers that is ideal for rapid prototyping of tunable three-dimensional electrodes and is extendable to large volume manufacturing. Although all-solution-processing is an attractive alternative to vapor-based techniques for low-cost manufacturing of electrodes, it often results in films suffering from low conductivity and poor substrate adhesion. These limitations are addressed here by using a smart polymer to create a conformal layer of overlapping wrinkles on the substrate to shorten the current path and embed the conductor onto the polymer layer. The structural evolution of these wrinkled electrodes, deposited by electroless deposition onto a nanoparticle seed layer, is studied at varying deposition times to understand its effects on structural parameters such as porosity, wrinkle wavelength and height. Furthermore, the effect of structural parameters on functional properties such as electro-active surface area and surface-enhanced Raman scattering is investigated. It is found that wrinkling of electroless-deposited thin films can be used to reduce sheet resistance, increase surface area, and enhance the surface-enhanced Raman scattering signal.

An Analysis of Research on Membrane-Coated Electrodes in the 2001–2019 Period: Potential Application to CO2 Capture and Utilization

“…In this case, the anodic GDE is placed directly next to the membrane of the MCE. This cell design would eliminate all the aforementioned disadvantages of working with liquid electrolytes, but the role of the membrane is extremely important for the reactor behavior; thus, the fabrication of an MCE for this structure is a challenging task that could be facilitated by the introduction of advanced polymers and materials into the design of novel electrode configuration [75] and the understanding of the mechanisms involved in their performance [74].…”

A Bibliometric Analysis of Research on Membrane Coated Electrodes in the 2001-2019 Period: Potential Application to CO2 Capture and Utilization

“…This gives scope not only to the research and innovation on electrode and zero -gap reactor design [64], but also on mixed matrix membranes with controllable ion exchange properties. [17] (a) (b) disadvantages of working with liquid electrolytes, but the role of the membrane is extremely important for the reactor behavior, thus the fabrication of an MCE for this structure is a challenging task that could be facilitated by the introduction of advanced polymers and materials into the design of novel electrode configuration [65] and the understanding of the mechanisms involved in their performance [64].…”

Functional Micro–Nano Structure with Variable Colour: Applications for Anti-Counterfeiting

“…Spraying, atomizing, spin coating, dispensing e self-assembly of biomimetic isotropic films are achieved with a characteristic length-scale comparable to the wavelength of visible light [120] Self-assembled photonic crystals by magnetic field force Magnetic particles and nanospheres (silica [121], polystyrene [122], carbon [123], polyvinylpyrrolidone [124], polyacrylamide [125]) Monodisperse microspheres self-assemble into ordered structures under the action of a magnetic field e self-assembly process is reversible, and the band gap position can also be adjusted by controlling the strength of the magnetic field Self-assembled photonic crystals by gravity Monodisperse microspheres with higher density such as silica [126] Colloidal particles are free to settle and self-assemble into an ordered structure in constant temperature, humidity and vapor pressure environment [127] e photonic crystal obtained by the gravity is difficult to control and is prone to defects [131] Electron beam etching PMMA (positive rubber) and SU-8 (negative rubber) materials [132] Polymer in the region exposed to the electron beam will undergo a soluble change, and the micro-nano structure can be obtained by the developer ere is no need to contact the surface of the material, the deformation is small under stress, and the pollution is less, and the surface of the material is not [86] or ultraviolet irradiation [84,85] e resolution is not affected by the most exposed wavelength, and is closely related to the original template resolution. It has high fidelity, high resolution, low cost and high yield Surface wrinkle technology PDMS [134], polystyrene [135] and shape memory materials [136][137][138][139] are used as base materials, organic polymer materials [140], metal materials [141], and inorganic materials [142] can be used as surface hard layer materials Surface instability factors are induced by heat, force, electromagnetic field, humidity, phase separation, osmotic pressure, capillary force and polymerization…”