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Large Area Substrate-Based Nanofabrication of Controllable and Customizable Gold Nanoparticles Via Capped Dewetting
Published on: February 26, 2019
Filling a nanoporous substrate by dewetting of thin films
D Schebarchov1, B Lefèvre, W R C Somerville
1School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington 6140, New Zealand. Dmitri.Schebarchov@gmail.com
Nanoscale
|January 31, 2013
Summary
Thin gold films on nanoporous substrates rupture and dewet, with pores absorbing the metal due to Laplace pressure. Patterning the film enhances gold absorption, offering control over dewetting processes.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Surface Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Dewetting of thin films is a key phenomenon in nanotechnology.
- Non-wettable pores can potentially absorb dewetted liquid films.
- Thermodynamic models predict pore filling via dewetting.
Purpose of the Study:
- To simulate and understand the dewetting of nanometre-thick liquid gold (Au) films on nanoporous substrates.
- To investigate the mechanism of metal absorption into non-wettable pores.
- To explore methods for enhancing metal absorption through film patterning.
Main Methods:
- Molecular dynamics simulations were employed.
- Simulations focused on nanometre-thick liquid Au films on nanoporous substrates.
- Thermodynamic principles of dewetting were applied.
Main Results:
- Simulations confirmed spinodal dewetting and hole nucleation in the Au films.
- Non-wettable pores absorbed liquid gold driven by Laplace pressure on dewetted droplets and rivulets.
- Patterning the initial gold film increased the fraction of absorbed metal.
Conclusions:
- The study validates thermodynamic predictions of pore filling by dewetting.
- Laplace pressure is the driving force for metal absorption into nanopores.
- Film patterning offers a strategy to control and enhance metal absorption in dewetting processes.
