| AVS 64th International Symposium & Exhibition | |
| Plasma Science and Technology Division | Wednesday Sessions |
| Session PS+NS+SS-WeM |
| Session: | Plasma Processing for Nanomaterials & Nanoparticles |
| Presenter: | Ulf Helmersson, Linköping University, Sweden |
| Authors: | U. Helmersson, Linköping University, Sweden S. Ekeroth, Linköping University, Sweden S. Askari, Linköping University, Sweden R. Boyd, Linköping University, Sweden N. Brenning, Linköping University, Sweden |
| Correspondent: | Click to Email |
Nanoparticles generated or supplied to a plasma attains a negative potential due to the nature of the plasma. This open up interesting possibilities in synthesis and assembly of the nanoparticles creating structures in the nano- and micro-range. In this work, we use hollow cathode sputtering powered with high-power pulse to ensure close to full ionized of the source material. This promotes rapid growth of the nanoparticles to desired sizes and the negative charge makes it possibility to guide nanoparticles for assembly and collection on desired positions. This is demonstrated by attracting nanoparticles to substrate positions with a positive potential and focusing nanoparticles through a matrix of electrostatic lenses to assemble the nanoparticles into pillars. For ferromagnetic nanoparticles, we also demonstrate generation of nanowires as well as nanowires cross-linked into trusses. Since the iron nanoparticles are generated under relatively pure condition they assemble into wires without oxides in the interfaces. Nanowires and trusses assembled on conducting substrates can potentially be used as low cost large area electrodes.