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Fabrication of Periodic Gold Nanocup Arrays Using Colloidal Lithography
Published on: September 2, 2017
Ordered gold nanoparticle arrays on glass and their characterization
Jie Yuan1, Akram Hajebifard, Christeen George
1National Research Council of Canada, 100 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0R6, Canada; Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Ottawa, 161 Louis Pasteur, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada.
Journal of Colloid and Interface Science
|September 4, 2013
Summary
Researchers developed a novel method for creating large-area ordered gold nanoparticle (AuNP) arrays using block copolymer self-assembly and seeding growth. This technique enables controllable size and spacing for potential biosensor applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Surface Chemistry
Background:
- Ordered nanoparticle arrays are crucial for advanced optical and sensing applications.
- Existing fabrication methods often face limitations in scalability and cost-effectiveness.
- Block copolymer self-assembly offers a promising route for nanoscale patterning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel, scalable method for fabricating ordered metal nanoparticle arrays on solid substrates.
- To precisely control nanoparticle size, spacing, and optical properties.
- To investigate the potential of these arrays for applications such as biosensors.
Main Methods:
- Utilized self-assembly of block copolymer micelles loaded with metal precursors.
- Employed a seeding growth route to control nanoparticle size and density.
- Characterized nanoparticle arrays using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and UV-Vis spectrophotometry.
- Performed theoretical simulations to understand optical properties and localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR).
Main Results:
- Successfully fabricated hexagonal arrays of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with controllable mean heights (5.2-33 nm) over large areas (~80 mm(2)).
- Demonstrated tuning of inter-particle spacing, leading to observable plasmon coupling effects.
- Observed a red-shift in the LSPR peak with increasing medium refractive index, indicating size-dependent bulk sensitivity.
- AuNPs were found to be embedded in the substrate by 20-30%.
Conclusions:
- The developed fabrication technique is suitable for low-cost, mass-manufacturing of ordered, high-quality AuNP arrays.
- The tunable optical properties and sensitivity make these arrays promising for biosensor development.
- The combination of self-assembly and seeding growth provides a versatile platform for nanoscale material fabrication.
