Single-step electropolymerization patterning of a polypyrrole nanowire by ultra-short pulses via an AFM cantilever

Kihwan Nam, Gyudo Lee, Huihun Jung, Jinsung Park, Chi Hyun Kim, Jongbum Seo, Dae Sung Yoon, Sang Woo Lee, Taeyun Kwon

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

14 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Conducting polymers (CPs) have attracted a great deal of attention due to their unique properties; these properties are useful in implementing various functional devices, such as memory, and chemical and biological sensors. In particular, the nanopatterning of CPs is a key technology that will accelerate the adoption of CPs in fabricating nanoscaled multifunctional devices. This paper presents an innovative technique for forming polypyrrole nanowire (PPy-NW) patterns, without any additional pretreatment on the gold surface, using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and ultra-short pulse voltage. Applying the ultra-short pulse voltage to the AFM tip has the following advantage: since the electrochemical current is extremely localized around the tip, the successful formation of CP nanowires results. This is because the pulse width is much shorter than the resistor-capacitor (RC) time constant of the equivalent electrochemical circuit of our experimental set-up. This paper provides systematic results regarding the dimensional variation of the PPy-NW patterns produced by varying the electrical conditions of the ultra-short pulse, such as the pulse amplitude, width, and frequency. The results show that use of an ultra-short pulse is essential in fabricating PPy-NW patterns. Additionally, an ultra-short pulse offers excellent pattern controllability for both width (353nm ∼ 3.37νm) and height (2.0 ∼ 88.3nm).

Original languageEnglish
Article number225303
JournalNanotechnology
Volume22
Issue number22
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2011 Jun 3
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Bioengineering
  • Chemistry(all)
  • Materials Science(all)
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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