Patterning colloidal monolayer films using microcontact particle stripping

Abstract

We combined the basic component of microcontact printing (μCP), the use of an elastomeric stamp to transfer a pattern, with colloidal lithography, a parallel technique to obtain arrays of nanostructures at surfaces. This novel method, entitled microcontact particle stripping (μCPS), uses a stamp to selectively remove the pre-adsorbed particles located in the contact regions, leaving the particles in the non-contact regions unaffected. The particles, in the nanopatterned regions, can further be used as a lithographic mask.