title: Writing and functionalisation of suspended DNA nanowires on superhydrophobic pillar arrays.
abstract: Nanowire arrays and networks with precisely controlled patterns are very interesting for innovative device concepts in mesoscopic physics. In particular, DNA templates have proven to be versatile for the fabrication of complex structures that obtained functionality via combinations with other materials, for example by functionalisation with molecules or nanoparticles, or by coating with metals. Here, the controlled motion of the a three-phase contact line (TCL) of DNA-loaded drops on superhydrophobic substrates is used to fabricate suspended nanowire arrays. In particular, the deposition of DNA wires is imaged in situ, and different patterns are obtained on hexagonal pillar arrays by controlling the TCL velocity and direction. Robust conductive wires and networks are achieved by coating the wires with a thin layer of gold, and as proof of concept conductivity measurements are performed on single suspended wires. The plastic material of the superhydrophobic pillars ensures electrical isolation from the substrate. The more general versatility of these suspended nanowire networks as functional templates is outlined by fabricating hybrid organic-metal-semiconductor nanowires by growing ZnO nanocrystals onto the metal-coated nanowires.
authors.affiliation: Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Via Morego 30, 16163, Genova, Italy.
authors.forename: Ermanno
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Miele
authors.forename: Angelo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Accardo
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Falqui
authors.forename: Monica
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Marini
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Giugni
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Leoncini
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: De Angelis
authors.forename: Roman
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Krahne
authors.forename: Enzo
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Di Fabrizio
mesh_terms: D004247:DNA / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005453:Fluorescence; D006046:Gold / Q000737:chemistry; D057927:Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000379:methods*; D053770:Nanowires / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure
chemical_list: D006046:Gold; D004247:DNA
keywords: DNA templates; ZnO nanocrystals; electronic circuits; nanowires; superhydrophobic surfaces; three phase contact line