Scientists from MIT have managed to at room temperature, a precise pattern of nanodraden on the basis of a liquid substance. The researchers showed in a single step, a led array.
At the nanoscale, it is of great importance to the geometry of the structures in detail to be able to check, said Brian Chow, co-author of a study on this subject that in the latest edition of Nature Materials has appeared. “For nanostructures, there is a link between the geometry and the electrical and optical properties,” says Chow.
There are already methods in a precise manner nanodraden to explain, but that works only under extreme conditions, such as high temperatures, under high pressure or in a vacuum. The method of Chow and his colleagues can under normal conditions be carried out: at room temperature and not under high or low pressure.
The team from MIT showed nanodraden of zinc oxide grow from a liquid substance. To the solution of different materials to add, which is static on the wires to attach, knew the researchers, the growth in a certain direction. They succeeded in a working led array in a metal frame by the substance through plastic tubes, whereas for normal production, several steps are necessary.
The method may be used to batteries, sensors and optical devices. According to the lead author of the research paper, Jaebum Joo, the same process can, however, be used with materials other than zinc oxide, such as titaniumoxide, a material that may be suitable for solar cells. By the force on huiskamertemperatuur can the material on plastic surfaces and may be used to make flexible displays.
