Patterned array of nanoparticles on substrates via contact printing method with CNTs/AAO stamp

Patterned arrays of Fe oxide nanoparticles were transferred via contact printing method on a substrate surface using carbon nanotubes embedded in anodic aluminum oxide (CNTs/AAO) as a stamp, in which vertically aligned CNTs in hexagonally patterned array was first fabricated by chemical vapor deposition into the AAO, followed by a partial chemical etching to expose the CNTs from the AAO. Fe precursor inked CNTs stamp was contact-printed on a Pt-coated Si substrate, and after heat treatment at 200°C, patterned array of Fe oxide nanoparticles with ca. 80 nm of diameter and ca. 120 nm of inter-distance between the nanoparticles was consequently obtained.