Nano Express
Self-ordered TiO2 quantum dot array prepared via anodic oxidation
Author affiliations
1 Department of Microelectronics, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Communication, Brno University of Technology, Technická 10, Brno 61600, Czech Republic
2 Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Agronomy, Mendel University in Brno, Zemědělská 1, Brno 61300, Czech Republic
3 Institute of Physical and Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Brno University of Technology, Brno 61200, Czech Republic
4 Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Technická 10, 61600 Brno, Czech Republic
Citation and License
Nanoscale Research Letters 2012, 7:123 doi:10.1186/1556-276X-7-123
Published: 14 February 2012Abstract
The template-based methods belong to low-cost and rapid preparation techniques for various nanostructures like nanowires, nanotubes, and nanodots or even quantum dots [QDs]. The nanostructured surfaces with QDs are very promising in the application as a sensor array, also called 'fluorescence array detector.' In particular, this new sensing approach is suitable for the detection of various biomolecules (DNA, proteins) in vitro (in clinical diagnostics) as well as for in vivo imaging.
The paper deals with the fabrication of TiO2 planar nanostructures (QDs) by the process of titanium anodic oxidation through an alumina nanoporous template on a silicon substrate. Scanning electron microscopy observation showed that the average diameter of TiO2 QDs is less than 10 nm. Raman spectroscopic characterization of self-organized titania QDs confirmed the presence of an anatase phase after annealing at 400°C in vacuum. Such heat-treated TiO2 QDs revealed a broad emission peak in the visible range (characterized by fluorescence spectroscopy).
