Hybrid nanoparticle array fabricated using injection-molded nanostructure

Now that well-ordered nanoparticles can yield a promising performance in various fields, spatially regular arrangement of particles is a key requirement for nanoparticle-embedded engineering materials and devices. Here, we demonstrate a feasible, robust method where nanoparticles can be regularly distributed and encapsulated. Polymeric substrates with different sized nanoholes were injection-molded by controlling mold-wall temperature in a spatial and temporal manner. A hybrid structure of nanoparticles was constructed by binding quantum dots with metal nanoparticles, and they were filled into the nanoholes using the knife coating process. The morphology of the nanostructure prepared via the molding process and the nanoparticle array was analyzed using a scanning electron microscope and a transmission electron microscope. Fluorescence emission of the hybrid nanostructure was measured. The finding showed that the strategic approach introduced in this study could allow fabrication of hybrid nanoparticle structures with good processability and productivity. (c) 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.