Block copolymer templated assembly of active Pd nanocube arrays

Two-dimensional (2D) palladium nanocube array is achieved on plasma-etched block copolymer templates, while the well-aligned nanocubes remain active. Anisotropic nanocubes are site-selectively assembled on various nanopatterns by capillary force. The nanocube array is proved to be easily tunable, and the dimensional commensurability plays a key role in the configurations of the nanocube assemblies. Not only catalytic nanocube array under confinement but also template for the growth of nanoscale zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods is exemplified as the potential application of the nanoarray.