Thin Silica-Based Microsheets with Controlled Geometry

abstract

A high demand for materials with defined geometry and size is required in a wide range of fields. Inorganic compounds, especially silica-based, arise as a cheap source and chemically flexible for the purpose. Silica display unique properties, like easy functionalization and good optical features making an interesting material to manipulate. In this work, we developed a method to create thin silica microsheets with defined size and high-fidelity shape using superhydrophobic-hydrophilic microarrays. These microstructures were produced through sol-gel process using biomimetic superhydrophobic surfaces decorated with wettable spots. The results confirm the manufacture of porous silica microstructures with defined design (squares and circles) and thickness around 7 mu m. The methodology applied in this work enables the high throughput fabrication of shaped silica materials in a single step, unlocking an extensive number of applications in areas that require miniaturization, like microelectronics or in fields like sensing and biomedicine.

keywords

STRUCTURED SUPERHYDROPHOBIC SURFACES; GEL; FILMS; NANOPARTICLES; NANOFIBERS; COATINGS

subject category

Chemistry

authors

Maciel, MM; Patricio, SG; Borges, J; Levkin, PA; Correia, TR; Mano, JF

our authors

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