Self-assembled three-dimensional nanocrown array

ACS Nano. 2012 Jul 24;6(7):5803-8. doi: 10.1021/nn204967k. Epub 2012 Jun 7.

Abstract

Although an ordered nanoplasmonic probe array will have a huge impact on light harvesting, selective frequency response (i.e., nanoantenna), and quantitative molecular/cellular imaging, the realization of such an array is still limited by conventional techniques due to the serial processing or resolution limit by light diffraction. Here, we demonstrate a thermodynamically driven, self-assembled three-dimensional nanocrown array that consists of a core and six satellite gold nanoparticles (GNPs). Our ordered nanoprobe array is fabricated over a large area by thermal dewetting of thin gold film on hexagonally ordered porous anodic alumina (PAA). During thermal dewetting, the structural order of the PAA template dictates the periodic arrangement of gold nanoparticles, rendering the array of gold nanocrown. Because of its tunable size (i.e., 50 nm core and 20 nm satellite GNPs), arrangement, and periodicity, the nanocrown array shows multiple optical resonance frequencies at visible wavelengths as well as angle-dependent optical properties.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aluminum Oxide / chemistry
  • Electrochemical Techniques
  • Gold / chemistry
  • Metal Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Metal Nanoparticles / ultrastructure*
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Molecular Imaging
  • Nanotechnology
  • Optical Phenomena
  • Surface Plasmon Resonance

Substances

  • Gold
  • Aluminum Oxide