Encapsulating nanoparticle arrays into layer-by-layer multilayers by capillary transfer lithography

We introduce capillary transfer lithography for the fabrication of ordered microscopic arrays from nanoparticulate materials encapsulated into ultrathin (< 100 nm) flexible polymer films. Well-defined polymer micropatterns have been fabricated by capillary transfer lithography and used as a protective template for guided assembly of nanoparticles on layer-by-layer (LbL) multilayers. Sequential removal of this template facilitates further assembly of a topmost polyelectrolyte film, hence completing encapsulation. The striped and chess-board arrays of a single layer of carbon nanotubes and gold nanoparticles were sandwiched between two polymer LbL multilayers of thickness 19 nm each.