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Gyroid Nickel Nanostructures from Diblock Copolymer Supramolecules
Published on: April 28, 2014
Hierarchical metallic and ceramic nanostructures from laser interference ablation and block copolymer phase
Taiwo R Alabi1, Dajun Yuan, Suman Das
1School of Materials Science and Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, USA.
Nanoscale
|March 28, 2013
Summary
We developed a hybrid technique combining laser interference ablation and block copolymer phase separation to create tunable hierarchical nanostructures. This method fabricates ordered metallic and ceramic arrays for catalysis, nanowire growth, and sensor applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science and Nanotechnology
- Surface Chemistry and Catalysis
Background:
- Hierarchical nanostructures offer unique properties for advanced applications.
- Fabricating ordered nanostructures with tunable features remains a significant challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a novel hybrid technique for forming hierarchical nanostructures.
- To demonstrate the tunability of nanostructure arrays for diverse applications.
Main Methods:
- Combined laser interference ablation (LIA) with block copolymer phase separation (BCPS).
- Varied block copolymer loading times and laser interference parameters to control array type (square, triangular, linear, circular).
- Tuned primary ordering (30-100 nm) via block copolymer composition and phase separation kinetics.
- Adjusted secondary ordering (200 nm to 2 μm) by altering laser beam convergence angles.
Main Results:
- Successfully formed hierarchical nanostructures of Au, PtOx, FexOy, and PdOx.
- Achieved tunable array geometries and feature sizes.
- Demonstrated applicability to other materials like Ag, Co, and Ni(O).
Conclusions:
- The hybrid LIA-BCPS method provides a robust platform for large-scale fabrication of hierarchical nanostructure arrays.
- These arrays show significant potential for catalysis, nanowire growth (e.g., Ge, Si via VLS), optical devices, and biodetection/biosensing.
