Abstract
A strategy to induce the directional clustering of nanopillars by controlling their tilted angles was proposed. Regularly spaced nanopillar arrays with different tilted angles of 0°, 15°, 30°, and 45° was prepared and their clustering was demonstrated by dispersing and drying a deionized water droplet on them. By observing their clustering patterns, a simple model was developed to explain the features of tilted-angle-dependent clustering, and a criterion was proposed to classify the continuity of clustering. It was observed that the tilted-angle-dependent clustering of nanopillar arrays after drying the water droplet. It was noncontinuous and island-like with 0°?and 15° tilt, but continuous and unidirectional with 30° and 45° tilt. The designed asymmetric, directional clustering of tilted nanopillars would be applicable to the directional self-assembly of high aspect ratio nanostructures and directional transport of specific materials.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 3764-3769 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Small |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2016 |
Keywords
- adhesion
- clustering
- directional properties
- elastocapillarity
- nanopillars