Nanofabrication environment

Beyond single component metal catalysts, the nanofabricated model catalysts can be used to study alloy catalysts, with compositions controlled by co-evaporation from two or more PVD sources. Alternatively, arrays of alternating particles or areas of two different materials can be made to study lateral communication between two types of catalysts at the nanoscale. For example, sequential reactions consisting of a first step on one type of catalyst and a second step on another catalyst particle could be studied systematically. The role of reactants and reaction intermediates as surfactants, affecting particle shape and morphology [163], will be possible to study in detail by in situ TEM studies in reactive environments. 

B) Reproduced with permission from reference Oh, J.Y., Lee, T.I., Jang, W.S., Chae, S.S., Park, J.H., Lee, H.W., Myoung, J.-M., Baik H.K., 2013. Mass production of a 3D non-woven nanofabric with crystalline P3HT nanofibrils for organic solar cells. Energy Environ. Sd. 6, 910-917. Copyright 2013, American Chemical Sodety... 

Most of the techniques utilized for nanofabrication require a very clean environment for carrying out different activities. Some of the facilities also need a high-vacuum environment during manipulation of atoms or molecules. Shockproof and vibration-proof structure is needed to achieve precise manipulation during molecular growth. 

This entry is just an introduction there have been numerous other developments of advanced micro /nanofabrication techniques including ion-assisted CVD electron beam etching, for example, to produce nanopores [50] and custom AFM/ STM probes for scanning electrochemical imaging [51] and materials for sensing at high temperatures and in corrosive environments. 

Distinct methods and strategies to tailor polymeric substrates with topographical signals have been discussed in this chapter. From the extensive work developed by many researchers and summarized here, it is evident that the majority of the studies has been performed onto 2 D surfaces, mainly due to the limitation of the fabrication techniques. Further and continuous advances in micro- and nanofabrication, as well as other technologies are under development. It is expected that by applying these technologies it would be possible to translate the advanced 2D models into 3D structures with such a high structural and hierarchical complexity that could mimic more efficiently the in vivo environment. 

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