Site-selective deposition of magnetite particulate thin films on patterned self-assembled monolayers

Magnetite micropatterns were successfully fabricated by the site-selective deposition technique using self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) as templates. Magnetite particles were selectively deposited on Pd catalysts which were adsorbed to the -NH2-terminated surface of a SAM, in an aqueous solution containing iron nitrate and dimethylamine-borane. Pd colloid catalyst particles were adhered to the amino group of a patterned SAM by electrostatic interaction. Crystalline Fe3O4 (magnetite) particulate films were then deposited on aminogroup regions by the effect of metal I'd catalyst. Site-selective deposition of crystalline Fe3O4 was thus realized in an aqueous solution. The deposition mechanism of Fe3O4 is discussed in detail in comparison with the deposition of gamma-FeOOH in the solution.