Fabrication of Patterned Ag and Au Inverse Opal Structures Through Repeated Self-Assembly of Fine Particles

Abstract

This study aims to apply the self-assembly process of particles to the fabrication of inverse opal structures, which improve the fabrication of catalysts and sensors. The process consists of two dip-coating steps. The first one is the production of sacrificial silica particles 1 or 2 μm in diameter. The second one is the fabrication of silver or gold nano-particles. After these processes, silica particles are dissolved to create the inverse opal structure. We demonstrate how changing the diameter of the sacrificial particle varies the size of the pores. Finally, we present how the patterned Ag and Au inverse opal structure can be created using the hydrophobic/hydrophilic patterned substrate.