Fabrication of ultrathin TiO2 film with nanogrooves to trap organic dye nanoparticles

Abstract

Ultrathin TiO2 films were formed on the surface of commercially available DVD-R disks by a two-step sol–gel process, with nanogrooves on the lower surface transcribed from the DVD-R disk surface. Water suspension of organic dye nanoparticles (NPs) fabricated by laser processing of dye solution was spread over the TiO2 film, attaining a successful trap of luminescent dye NPs inside the transcribed nanogrooves, which will open up a new way of luminescent NP deposition with a predesigned pattern, in view of printing mass production of static image “digital signage devices.” For this application, all the NPs need to be placed between and in contact with two line electrodes. As a test pattern, we have tried to deposit silver nanowires (AgNWs) in parallel arrangement in the nanogrooves of TiO2 film by the doctor blade method.