Formation of one-dimensional arrays of nanoparticles using segmented polyurethane nanofibers prepared by electrospinning

Abstract

The number density and the arrangement of metal nanoparticles in composite materials have a significant effect on their performance and hence their suitability for use in sensors and devices. Forming one-dimensional arrays of metal nanoparticles is one way of controlling their number density and arrangement in the devices. In this study, we fabricated one-dimensional arrays of gold nanoparticles by adsorbing them on linearly distributed hard segments present on the surfaces of segmented polyurethane nanofibers, which were produced by electrospinning under a stretching force. The length of the one-dimensional array was approximately 500 nm. Furthermore, the interparticle distance was almost constant at approximately 14 nm. Thus, the proposed method is suitable for fabricating one-dimensional arrays of metal nanoparticles with high precision.