Periodic one-dimensional nanostructured arrays based on colloidal templates, applications, and devices

A novel approach to fabricate periodic one-dimensional (1D) nanostructured arrays is developed using monolayer colloidal crystals as templates or masks. This approach is more flexible and less costly than traditional lithographic techniques. The morphology and structural parameters of periodic arrays can be easily controlled, further resulting in optimized properties. Herein we introduce recent work to create periodic 1D nanostructured arrays by combining colloidal templates with other techniques, such as solution techniques, electrodeposition, wet chemical etching, reactive ion etching (RIE), pulsed laser deposition (PLD), and sputtering. These periodic ID nanostructured arrays with controllable morphology and structural parameters have extensive applications in areas such as nanophotonics, field emitters, solar cells, light-emitting diodes, and microfluidic devices. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.