A double templated electrodeposition method for the fabrication of arrays of metal nanodots

Using a double template method, we have fabricated large areas of either isolated or interconnected arrays of Ni, Co, Pt and An dots with variable diameters and separations. This was achieved by the electrochemical deposition of the metal inside spherical cavities formed within macroporous poly(pyrrole) secondary templates which were themselves prepared by electrodeposition around templates formed of self-assembled poly(styrene) spheres assembled on evaporated An substrates. The advantage of using poly(pyrrole) films as a secondary template is that the conductivity of the polymer can be electrochemically destroyed either temporary or permanently. Permanent destruction of the conductivity of the poly(pyrrole) film allows it to be used as an insulating template over a wide potential range so that it is possible to deposit a wide range of metals, alloys, semiconductors or oxides as nanoscale patterned arrays. This new approach represents a simple approach to the fabrication of two and three-dimensional submicron patterned arrays which may find application in magnetic recording media, photonic crystals and biosensors. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.