Pores Of Track-etched Polycarbonate Membranes Research Articles

Structure and Electronic Properties of InSb Nanowires Grown in Flexible Polycarbonate Membranes.

A dense array of vertically aligned indium antimonide (InSb) nanowires with high aspect ratio (diameter 150 nm, length 20 m) were grown in the pores of a track-etched polycarbonate membrane via a one-step electrochemical method. There are several reports on InSb nanowire growth in the pores of a mechanically rigid, nano-channel alumina template (NCA), where nanowire growth occurs in the pores of the NCA. This work on InSb nanowire growth in pores of track-etched polycarbonate (PC) membrane sheds light on the various factors that affect nucleation and nanowire growth. The average length and diameter of the as-grown nanowires was about 10 m and 150 nm, respectively. Two possible mechanisms accounting for two different morphologies of the as-grown nanowires are proposed. The polycrystallinity observed in some of the nanowires is explained using the 3D ‘nucleation-coalescence’ mechanism. On the other hand, single crystal nanowires with a high density of twin defects and stacking faults grow epitaxially by a two-dimensional (2D) nucleation/growth mechanism. To assess the electrical quality of the nanowires, two- and four-terminal devices were fabricated using a single InSb nanowire contacted by two Ni electrodes. It was found that, at low bias, the ohmic current is controlled by charge diffusion from the bulk contacts. On the other hand, at high bias, the effects of space charge limited current (SCLC) are evident in the current–voltage behavior, characteristic of transport through structures with reduced electrostatic screening. A cross-over from ohmic to SCLC occurs at about 0.14 V, yielding a free carrier concentration of the order of cm.

Structural and electrical studies of template synthesized copper nanowires

The template strategy combined with electrodeposition technique has been used to produce copper nanowires in the cylindrical pores of track-etched polycarbonate membranes. X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and UV–visible spectroscopy have been used to characterize as-prepared copper nanowires. XRD study shows the face centered cubic crystal structure of copper nanowires. Williamson–Hall (WH) analysis has been used to determine the crystallite size and microstrain induced due to lattice deformation. FESEM results reveal that copper nanowires are continuous, well aligned with uniform diameter and having high aspect ratio. The optical absorption spectra exhibit a strong peak at 568 nm attributed to the surface plasmon resonance. The current–voltage (I–V) characteristics show an ohmic behavior of the fabricated copper nanowires. The increase in resistivity of nanowires than that of bulk counterpart has been attributed to the surface and size effects in nanowires and explained in the light of Fuchs–Sondeimer and Mayadas–Shatzkes models.

Thermal Evolution of Magnetic Interactions in Ni Nanowires Embedded in Polycarbonate Membranes by Ferromagnetic Resonance

Ni polycrystalline nanowires with diameters of 50, 80, and 100 nm were electrodeposited in cylindrical pores of track-etched polycarbonate membranes. Their magnetic properties were determined as a function of temperature using ferromagnetic resonance and magnetization measurements. At room temperature, the uniaxial anisotropy is equal to the shape anisotropy whereas an additional contribution is evidenced at low temperature. This additional contribution is attributed to magnetoelastic effects induced in the nanowires due to the different thermal expansion constants of Ni and polycarbonate. The analysis of magnetization processes in Ni nanowire arrays evidenced strong dipolar interactions inside the wires due to the domain structure. The coercive field of the nanowires was shown to be nearly a linear function of the temperature and could be accounted for temperature dependence of the uniaxial anisotropy.

Magnetoelectrolysis of Co nanowire arrays grown in a track-etched polycarbonate membrane

Arrays of Cobalt nanowires with a controlled length of 6 μ m have been fabricated by electrochemical deposition into the pores of track-etched polycarbonate membranes with a nominal pore diameter of 30 nm. The magnetic properties of Co-deposited nanowires and the effects of a magnetic field applied during electrodeposition of the arrays have been studied. An enhancement of the mass deposition rate due to the presence of a 50 Oe magnetic field along the nanowire axis has been observed by measuring the experimental development of the current in the electrochemical cell during the fabrication process. X-ray diffraction measurements reveal a different polycrystalline degree for each deposition configuration, indicating that the crystalline structure of the deposited material has been substantially modified. Magnetic measurements show a clear dependence of the anisotropy directions on the orientation of the magnetic field applied during the electrodeposition.

Heterostructured Magnetic Nanotubes

Heterostructured magnetic tubes with submicrometer dimensions were assembled by the layer-by-layer deposition of polyelectrolytes and nanoparticles in the pores of track-etched polycarbonate membranes. Multilayers composed of poly(allylamine hydrochloride) and poly(styrene sulfonate) assembled at high pH (pH > 9.0) were first assembled into the pores of track-etched polycarbonate membranes, and then multilayers of magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles and PAH were deposited. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed the formation of multilayer nanotubes with an inner shell of magnetite nanoparticles. These tubes exhibited superparamagnetic characteristics at room temperature (300 K) as determined by a SQUID magnetometer. The surface of the magnetic nanotubes could be further functionalized by adsorbing poly(ethylene oxide)-b-poly(methacrylic acid) block copolymers. The separation and release behavior of low molecular weight anionic molecules (i.e., ibuprofen, rose bengal, and acid red 8) by/from the multilayer nanotubes were studied because these tubes could potentially be used as separation or targeted delivery vehicles. The magnetic tubes could be successfully used to separate (or remove) a high concentration of dye molecules (i.e., rose bengal) from solution by activating the nanotubes in acidic solution. The release of the anionic molecules in physiologically relevant buffer solution showed that whereas bulky molecules (e.g., rose bengal) release slowly, small molecules (i.e., ibuprofen) release rapidly from the multilayers. The combination of the template method and layer-by-layer deposition of polyelectrolytes and nanoparticles provides a versatile means to create functional nanotubes with heterostructures that can be used for separation as well as targeted delivery.

PH-Induced Hysteretic Gating of Track-Etched Polycarbonate Membranes: Swelling/Deswelling Behavior of Polyelectrolyte Multilayers in Confined Geometry

pH-induced hysteretic gating of track-etched polycarbonate membranes (TEPC) has been achieved by depositing layer-by-layer assembled polyelectrolyte multilayers comprising poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) and poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) (PSS) at a high pH condition (pH > 9.0). Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy showed that the average bilayer thickness of multilayers was greater within the cylindrical pores of track-etched polycarbonate membranes compared to the multilayers on planar substrates (e.g., Si wafers and the face of TEPC membranes). Swelling/deswelling properties of multilayers and gating properties of the multilayer-modified TEPC membranes were studied by measuring the flux of pH-adjusted deionized water. Large discontinuous changes in the transmembrane flux were observed, indicating that the multilayers within the cylindrical pores of TEPC membranes exhibit the discontinuous swelling/deswelling behavior observed previously for planar systems. The degree of swelling as estimated by simple models, however, showed that (PAH/PSS) multilayers in the confined geometry swelled to smaller extents compared to the same multilayers on planar substrates under the same conditions. Multilayer-modified membranes showed reversible gating properties as the pH condition of feed solution was alternated between pH 2.5 and 10.5. In situ atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to visualize the closing of the pores as a function of time. The hysteretic gating property of the multilayer-modified TEPC membrane was utilized to achieve either a "closed" or "open" state at one pH condition depending on the pretreatment history, thereby enabling either the retention or passage of high-molecular weight polymers by varying the membrane pretreatment condition.

Fabrication of Palladium Nanotubes and Their Application in Hydrogen Sensing

A new electroless plating method was used to deposit palladium nanotubes within the pores of track-etched polycarbonate membranes. The morphology of the deposited palladium nanostructures were characterized with the use of field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The largely expanded surface area and granular nature of the nanotubes make them ideal for applications that require high surface area. One of the applications investigated here is hydrogen sensing. Palladium nanotubes excel in high sensitivity, low detection limit, and fast response times in hydrogen sensing compared to sputtered Pd thin film on glass. The response time ranges from a few seconds to tens of seconds depending on the concentration of hydrogen. The hydrogen sensing behavior can be understood with the Langmuir adsorption isotherm theory at very low hydrogen concentration. The high sensitivity and fast response time in the nanotube imbedded samples imply that the nanostructures create not only larger surface areas but also many more favorable sites for hydrogen adsorption to occur. These new nanostructured sensing elements are superior to the conventional thin film sensors especially in the low hydrogen concentration region.

Microtubule sensors and sensor array based on polyaniline synthesized in the presence of poly(styrene sulfonate).

Microtubule sensors for glucose, urea, and triglyceride were fabricated based on poly(styrene sulfonate)-polyaniline (PSS-PANI) composites synthesized within the pores of track-etched polycarbonate membranes. The synthesis of a sufficiently thick and conducting PSS-PANI film at pH 5 provided the advantage of immobilizing enzymes during polymerization. This resulted in the improvement of sensor response for urea and triglyceride by a factor of approximately 10(2) with a significant increase in the linear region of response compared to polyaniline-based sensors, where the enzymes were immobilized by physical adsorption after the polymerization. The sensors based on urea and triglyceride were found to have a higher linear range of response, better sensitivity, improved multiple use capability, and faster response time compared to the potentiometric and amperometric sensors based on polyaniline. A microtubule sensor array for glucose, urea, and triglyceride based on PSS-PANI was fabricated by immobilization of three different sets of enzymes on three closely spaced devices and its response was found to be free from cross-interference when a sample containing a mixture of the above analytes was analyzed in a single measurement.

Electrochemical Growth of Single-Crystal Metal Nanowires via a Two-Dimensional Nucleation and Growth Mechanism

Metallic nanowires (Au, Ag, Cu, Ni, Co, and Rh) with an average diameter of 40 nm and a length of 3-5 μm have been fabricated by electrodeposition in the pores of track-etched polycarbonate membranes. Structural characterizations by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and electron diffraction showed that nanowires of Au, Ag, and Cu are single-crystalline with a preferred [111] orientation, whereas Ni, Co, and Rh wires are polycrystalline. Possible mechanisms responsible for nucleation and growth for single-crystal noble metals versus polycrystalline group VIII-B metals are discussed.

Electrical resistivity of polypyrrole nanotube measured by conductive scanning probe microscope: The role of contact force

Polypyrrole (PPy) nanotubes were synthesized using the pores of track-etched polycarbonate membrane as a template. Its size depends on the pore diameter of template, range from 50 to 200 nm. Direct I–V measurements of PPy nanotube (diameter of 120 nm) deposited on Au were done using a metal-coated tapping-mode atomic-force-microscope tip. Linear I–V characteristics are observed, and the resistance is decreased as the contact force is increased. Using the Hertz model, the elastic modulus E and electrical resistivity ρ are estimated to be E∼1 GPa and ρ∼1 Ωcm. These values are consistent with those obtained in bulk PPy film.

Evidence for strong magnetoelastic effects in Ni nanowires embedded in polycarbonate membranes

The uniaxial anisotropy energy of arrays of submicronic (30--500 nm) Ni wires synthesized by electrodeposition into cylindrical pores of track-etched polycarbonate membranes is studied as a function of temperature. At room temperature, the uniaxial anisotropy is equal to the shape anisotropy whereas an additional contribution, that reinforces the wire axis as an easy axis is evidenced at low temperature. This additional contribution is demonstrated to find its origin in magnetoelastic effects conjointly induced by the Ni and polycarbonate thermal-expansion coefficients mismatch and by the low volume fraction of Ni in Ni/polycarbonate samples.

Template synthesis of nanoscale materials using the membrane porosity

The template strategy combined with electrodeposition techniques have been successfully used to produce nanoscale objects in the cylindrical pores of track-etched polycarbonate membranes. Using this method, nanometer-size metallic wires, conductive polymer nanotubules, superconducting nanowires and quasi-one-dimensional magnetic multilayers have been fabricated. These nanoscale materials exhibit physical properties different from those found in the bulk.