title: Progression in the Fountain Pen Approach: From 2D Writing to 3D Free-Form Micro/Nanofabrication.
abstract: The fountain pen approach, as a means for transferring materials to substrates, has shown numerous incarnations in recent years for creating 2D micro/nanopatterns and even generating 3D free-form nanostructures using a variety of material "inks". While the idea of filled reservoirs used to deliver material to a substrate via a capillary remains unchanged since antiquity, the advent of precise micromanipulation systems and functional material "inks" allows the extension of this mechanism to more high-tech applications. Herein, the recent growth in meniscus guided fountain pen approaches for benchtop micro/nanofabrication, which has occurred in the last decade, is discussed. Particular attention is given to the theory, equipment, and experimentation encompassing this unique direct writing approach. A detailed exploration of the diverse ink systems and functional device applications borne from this strategy is put forth to reveal its rapid expansion to a broad range of scientific and engineering disciplines. As such, this informative review is provided for researchers considering adoption of this recent advancement of a familiar technology.
authors.affiliation: Pohang University of Science and Technology, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, San 31, Hyoja-dong, Pohang, 790-784, South Korea.
authors.forename: Jung Ho
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Je
authors.affiliation: Hanyang University, Department of Chemical Engineering, Institute of Nanoscience and Technology, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seoul, 133-791, South Korea.
authors.forename: Jong-Man
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Hanyang University, Department of Chemical Engineering, Institute of Nanoscience and Technology, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seoul, 133-791, South Korea.|Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), 501 W. 1st Street, Arlington, Texas, 76010, USA.
authors.forename: Justyn
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Jaworski
keywords: 2D patterning; 3D direct writing; fountain pen approach; meniscus guided fabrication; micro/nanostructures