Template-Directed Growth of (100)-Oriented Colloidal Crystals

• DOI: 10.1021/la026596g
• Publication Date: 2003-01-28T06:21:36Z
• Authors: Yadong Yin; Zhi-Yuan Li; Younan Xia
• Keywords: Colloidal crystal; Template

This paper describes a simple and convenient procedure that allowed for the fabrication of large colloidal crystals with their (100) planes oriented parallel to surfaces supporting substrates. Such were grown by templating against two-dimensional (2D) regular arrays square pyramidal pits or V-shaped grooves etched in Si(100) The capability feasibility this approach have been demonstrated crystallizing spherical colloids (>250 nm diameter) into (100)-oriented over areas as several centimeters. We further inverse opals crystallographic orientation could be fabricated liquid precursors (such UV-curable prepolymer) these crystals. In addition silicon templates whose involved extensive use cleanroom facilities, multiple copies polymer having similar functions also generated replica molding, process performed any ordinary laboratory. believe ability control will greatly enrich our studies on properties. particular, availability specific orientations should allow us systematically investigate photonic band structures an effort elucidate structure−property relationship.