Migration of nano metals in semisolid and solid matrix under the influence of selectively triggered heterogeneous nucleation and growth

Abstract

Use of heterogeneous nucleation allows the localized reduction of metal salt and also cross-link the carbon precursor in the same region. This cross-linked matrix act as the secondary heterogeneous sites for spontaneous Nano particle synthesis and growth during the process of pyrolysis. Selectively creating heterogeneous sites and reducing the metal precursor using highly focused energy beams create various metal-carbon composites with controlled metal positioning. This is such a unique process where a pretreatment process will control the fabrication of complex metal-carbon composite nano and microstructures. This greatly simplifies the fabrication process, facilitating nanostructures like Nano metal bulbs, nanometal pointed nanogaps and metal sandwich structures with such process. With several advantages ranging from electronics, catalysis, optics and several other bio-functionalization technologies, this enables materials with unique and hybrid advantages. Moreover, fabrication of micro and Nano level structures provides a CMEMS and BIOMEMS relevant approach for wide range of applications.