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Advancements in Printing Techniques for Nano/Microstructures

A collaborative research effort by scientists from the National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS) and the University of Connecticut has achieved a breakthrough in the field of materials science. They have developed an innovative printing technique that allows for the creation of periodic nano/microstructures on the surface of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) slabs, which can then be efficiently transferred onto glass substrates.

This novel method facilitates the production of materials with beneficial functionalities, such as water-repellency and structural color generation. Notably, this process does not require expensive machinery or overly complicated procedures, making it more accessible for researchers and manufacturers alike. The potential applications of this technique are significant, especially in creating surfaces that can prevent fogging and those that exhibit desirable structural colors, which could be leveraged in the development of advanced gas sensors.

The findings of this research are detailed in a paper published in the journal Advanced Science.

Periodic nano/microstructures have been a long-standing area of interest within materials science due to their versatile functional properties. However, traditional methods for fabricating these structures tend to be time-consuming and reliant on bulky, costly equipment. Moreover, these methods often face challenges when attempting to produce large-area nano/microstructures.

While existing printing technologies could potentially address this issue, the search for suitable inks that can form such structures and methods for replenishing them remains ongoing. This highlights the demand for more straightforward techniques capable of creating periodic nano/microstructures efficiently.

In response to this need, the research team has established a repeatable and straightforward technique for printing periodic nano/microstructures on glass surfaces using a PDMS slab. The described approach utilizes liquid PDMS, which acts as an ink when it is released from the slab’s surface, allowing the formation of a periodic wrinkled structure. When the PDMS slab is pressed against a glass surface and then removed, the printed structure is left behind.

In addition to creating wrinkled patterns, the team’s method can also produce other types of periodic nano/microstructures, such as columnar and wavy designs. By incorporating additional materials, like silicone oils or silica nanoparticles, into the liquid PDMS, the resulting nano/microstructures can be tailored to meet various functional requirements for diverse applications.

Looking ahead, the research team aims to develop even more advanced periodic nano/microstructures that respond to social needs, focusing on anti-fogging and structural color generation capabilities. These advancements may also lead to the creation of superhydrophobic and superoleophobic materials, with implications for atmospheric water harvesting technologies.

The next steps involve optimizing conditions to enhance the printing of various forms of periodic nano/microstructures, ensuring broader applicability and effectiveness across different uses in emerging technologies.

More information: Kota Shiba et al, Syneresis‐Driven Self‐Refilling Printing of Geometry/Component‐Controlled Nano/Microstructures, Advanced Science (2024). DOI: 10.1002/advs.202405151

Source
phys.org