Title

Free-standing, erect ultrahigh-aspect-ratio polymer nanopillar and nanotube ensembles

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

11-6-2007

Abstract

Free-standing polymer (poly(methyl methacrylate) or cyclic olefin copolymer) nanopillar and nanotube ensembles with previously unreported, ultrahigh aspect ratios (300 to > 1600) were fabricated via anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) template-based methods that utilize a dilute, aqueous H 3PO 4 template etchant followed by freeze drying removal of the aqueous medium. Good replication of the AAO template by either solutions of the polymeric materials or molten polymer was achieved by using ultrasonic degassing and vacuum conditions. Classical surface wetting and viscoelastic fluid rheology theories were applied to explain the formation of polymer nanopillars and nanotubes in the aluminum oxide templates. The utilization of dilute H 3PO 4 for etching the AAO template and freeze-drying removal of the environmental liquid allows for the preparation of free-standing, erect, and ordered polymeric nanopillars or nanotubes that show much promise for use in biological microelectromechanical systems that target biological analyses. © 2007 American Chemical Society.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Langmuir

First Page

11777

Last Page

11781

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