Realization of Curved Circular Nanotubes Using In Situ Monitored Self-Assembly

Abstract

Curved fluidic channels with a circular cross-section play an important role in biology, chemistry, and medicine. However, in nanofluidics, a problem that is largely unsolved is the lack of an effective fabrication method for curved circular nanotubes (10−1000 nm). In this work, an electron-beam-induced self-assembly process was applied to achieve fine curved nanostructures for the realization of nanofluidic devices. The diameter of the tube could be precisely controlled by an atomic layer deposition process. Fluid transported through the nanochannels was verified and characterized using a dark-field microscope under an optical diffraction limit size. The fluid flow demonstrates that the liquid's evaporation (vapor diffusion) in the nanochannel generates compressed vapor, which pumps the liquid and pushes it forward, resulting in a directional flow behavior in the ∼100 nm radius of tubes. This phenomenon could provide a useful platform for the development of diverse nanofluidic devices.

Fabrication of a Polymer Nano Nozzle for Electrohydrodynamic Small-Molecule Solvent Inkjet Printing

“…23 However, the fragile nature of quartz glass poses a significant challenge for both the pulling process and practical application, especially when the tip diameter is on the nanoscale. Meanwhile, several fabrication processes have also been proposed for the fabrication of small microfluidic channels, such as by electron beam, 32 direct laser writing, 33,34 and focused ion beam; 35 however, these processes are costly and time-consuming. More recently, mechanically stable polymers with high processing flexibility have been used to fabricate polymer nozzles.…”