Self-folding nanostructures with imprint patterned surfaces (SNIPS)

Faraday Discuss. 2016 Oct 6:191:61-71. doi: 10.1039/c6fd00021e. Epub 2016 Jul 18.

Abstract

A significant need in nanotechnology is the development of methods to mass-produce three-dimensional (3D) nanostructures and their ordered assemblies with patterns of functional materials such as metals, ceramics, device grade semiconductors, and polymers. While top-down lithography approaches can enable heterogeneous integration, tunability, and significant material versatility, these methods enable inherently two-dimensional (2D) patterning. Bottom-up approaches enable mass-production of 3D nanostructures and their assemblies but with limited precision, and tunability in surface patterning. Here, we demonstrate a methodology to create Self-folding Nanostructures with Imprint Patterned Surfaces (SNIPS). By a variety of examples, we illustrate that SNIPS, either individually or in ordered arrays, are mass-producible and have significant tunability, material heterogeneity, and patterning precision.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.