High yield transfer of ordered nanowire arrays into transparent flexible polymer films

The factors affecting transfer of nanowire arrays from their substrates into flexible PDMS films have been systematically investigated. Experiments were carried out on gallium phosphide nanowires with a standard length of 10 μm with varying pitch (0.2-1.5 μm). The important factors were found to be penetration of the PDMS within the nanowire arrays and the strength/rigidity of the PDMS film. The PDMS penetration between wires in the arrays is affected by both the viscosity of the PDMS solution and the presence of air pockets trapped within nanowire arrays, particularly at small pitches. Dilution with hexane and curing in a vacuum desiccator solve the wire penetration problem, and an increase in cure/base ratio increases the rigidity and strength of the PDMS. The procedures for preparation and deposition of the PDMS solution are optimized and a high yield, up to 95%, of wire transfer across a range of nanowire pitches has been obtained.