A Route to Nanoscopic SiO2 Posts via Block Copolymer Templates

Abstract

A surface covered with a nanopatterned, regularly spaced array of SiO2 blocksis obtained by coating silica with a block copolymer, selectively removing one polymer from the layer, depositing SiO2 in the voids, and finally degrading the second polymer. The Figure shows an AFM image of a finished sample. Rough surfaces of this type are very promising candidates for sensor and lab-on-a-chip applications.