Force-Controlled Inorganic Crystallization Lithography

Abstract

Lithography plays a key role in integrated circuits, optics, information technology, biomedical applications, catalysis, and separation technologies. However, inorganic lithography techniques remain of limited utility for applications outside of the typical foci of integrated circuit manufacturing. In this communication, we have developed a novel stamping method that applies pressure on the upper surface of the stamp to regulate the dewetting process of the inorganic buffer and the evaporation rate of the solvent in this buffer between the substrate and the surface of the stamp. We focused on generating inorganic microstructures with specific locations and also on enabling the ability to pattern gradients during the crystallization of the inorganic salts. This approach utilized a combination of lithography with bottom-up growth and assembly of inorganic crystals. This work has potential applications in a variety of fields, including studying inorganic material patterning and small-scale fabrication technology.

Divisive Effect of Alcohol−Water Mixed Solvents on Growth Morphology of Calcium Carbonate Crystals

“…Crystal growth impinges upon many disciplines, including biomineralization, materials science, and mineralogy. − It is intriguing to investigate the process of biogenic crystal growth, which attaches great significance to deriving an understanding from the biochemistry for the development of mesoscopic structures. It also acts as an inspiration to devise new strategies for materials fabrication .…”

Spatial Control of Crystal Nucleation in Agarose Gel

“…Crystallization has long been a primary tool used by chemists for the production of solid samples, e.g., as a means of purification or for analysis by diffraction methods . By control of various chemical and physical parameters such as temperature, solvent, or cosolutes, chemists have been able to engineer the growth of crystals of many substances. , Unfortunately, crystal growing can still be considered a black art since the initial stage of crystallizationnucleationis a result of random fluctuations, and it is difficult to predict the effects of changing environment on the nucleation and subsequent growth.…”