Method of forming nano-particle array by convective assembly, and convective assembly apparatus for the same

Abstract

A method of forming a nano-particle array by convective assembly and a convective assembly apparatus for the same are provided. The method of forming nano-particle array comprises: coating a plurality of nano-particles by forming a coating layer; performing a first convective assembly by moving a first substrate facing, in parallel to and spaced apart from a second substrate at a desired distance such that a colloidal solution including the coated nano-particles is between the first and second substrate; and performing a second convective assembly for evaporating a solvent by locally heating a surface of the colloidal solution drawn when the first substrate is moved in parallel relative to the second substrate. The present invention provides the method of forming the nano-particle array where nano-particles having a particle size from a few to several tens of nanometers are uniformly arrayed on a large area substrate at a low cost, and the convective assembly apparatus for the same.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION[0001]This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 11 / 567,926, filed on Dec. 7, 2006, which claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2006-0012033, filed on Feb. 8, 2006, and all the benefits accruing therefrom under 35 U.S.C. 119, the contents of which in their entirety are herein incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to a method of forming a uniform nano-particle array on a large area substrate, and more particularly, to a method of forming a nano-particle array by convective assembly, and a convective assembly apparatus for the forming the same.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]Nano technology is used for arraying nano-particles particle size that are a few nanometers to several tens of nanometers in size on a large area with a uniform surface density. This core technology is very useful in various fields such as info...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for forming a uniform nano-particle array on a large area substrate using convective assembly. This allows for the creation of a low-cost, high-quality nano-particle monolayer or multilayer. The method involves coating nano-particles and performing convective assembly using a tank, substrates, and a lift-up or sliding mechanism. The apparatus includes a heating unit to control the solvent evaporation process. The technical effects of this invention include improved precision and control over the formation of nano-particle arrays, which can be useful in various fields such as electronics, sensors, and biomedical applications.

Problems solved by technology

Much research for producing nano-particle arrays is being conducted and in progress, but there are still lots of difficulties in actually producing nano-particle arrays in large quantities because it is the process that requires high precision and incurs high costs.

The method of making such a large array is therefore not suitable for arrays particle size of nano-particles having a particle size from a few to several tens of nanometers.

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