Controlled size, structure, and morphology of nanowires produced by single particle nano-fabrication technique (SPNT)

Cross-linking reaction of the polymers was firstly promoted by charged particle irradiation to the thin films in the present study. Non-homogeneous cross-linking reaction in the polymers gives clear nanowires whose size, length, and number density are fairly controlled by selecting particles, molecular weights, etc. Electronic conductive nanowires were produced by the present technique, as well as achieving the formation of SiC ceramic nanowires by the combined processes of SPNT and subsequent sintering at ultra-high temperature. It is also demonstrated that the morphology of the final nanostructure is customized by appropriate selection of the ion fluence, combination of polymers, and the solvent employed for development. Octopus-like nanostructures consisting of a tangled hydrophilic polymer core and splayed hydrophobic polymer segments are successfully produced as an example of the process. The present technique provides universal feasibility for the formation of nanostructures based on 'any' polymer materials in which radiations induce crosslinking reactions. (author)