Directed self-assembly of nanorod networks: bringing the top down to the bottom up

Einsle, J. F. , Scheunert, G., Murphy, A., McPhillips, J., Zayats, A. V., Pollard, R. and Bowman, R. M. (2012) Directed self-assembly of nanorod networks: bringing the top down to the bottom up. Nanotechnology, 23(50), 505302. (doi: 10.1088/0957-4484/23/50/505302) (PMID:23183100)

Abstract

Self-assembled electrodeposited nanorod materials have been shown to offer an exciting landscape for a wide array of research ranging from nanophotonics through to biosensing and magnetics. However, until now, the scope for site-specific preparation of the nanorods on wafers has been limited to local area definition. Further there is little or no lateral control of nanorod height. In this work we present a scalable method for controlling the growth of the nanorods in the vertical direction as well as their lateral position. A focused ion beam pre-patterns the Au cathode layer prior to the creation of the anodized aluminium oxide (AAO) template on top. When the pre-patterning is of the same dimension as the pore spacing of the AAO template, lines of single nanorods are successfully grown. Further, for sub-200 nm wide features, a relationship between the nanorod height and distance from the non-patterned cathode can be seen to follow a quadratic growth rate obeying Faraday's law of electrodeposition. This facilitates lateral control of nanorod height combined with localized growth of the nanorods.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Einsle, Dr Joshua Franz
• Authors: Einsle, J. F., Scheunert, G., Murphy, A., McPhillips, J., Zayats, A. V., Pollard, R., and Bowman, R. M.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Geographical and Earth Sciences > Earth Sciences
• Journal Name: Nanotechnology
• Publisher: IOP Publishing
• ISSN: 0957-4484
• ISSN (Online): 1361-6528