X-Ray Lithography for Nanofabrication: Is There a Future?

X-ray lithography has been first proposed almost 50 years ago, and the related LIGA process around 25 years ago. It is therefore a good time to make an analysis of the technique, with its pros and cons. In this perspective article, we describe X-ray lithography’s latest advancements. First, we report the improvement in the fabrication of the high aspect ratio and high-resolution micro/nanostructures. Then, we present the radiation-assisted synthesis and processing of novel materials for the next generation of functional devices. We finally draw our conclusion on the future prospects of the technique.

Functionalized Mesoporous Thin Films for Biotechnology

Mesoporous materials bear great potential for biotechnological applications due to their biocompatibility and versatility. Their high surface area and pore interconnection allow the immobilization of molecules and their subsequent controlled delivery. Modifications of the mesoporous material with the addition of different chemical species, make them particularly suitable for the production of bioactive coatings. Functionalized thin films of mesoporous silica and titania can be used as scaffolds with properties as diverse as promotion of cell growth, inhibition of biofilms formation, or development of sensors based on immobilized enzymes. The possibility to pattern them increase their appeal as they can be incorporated into devices and can be tailored both with respect to architecture and functionalization. In fact, selective surface manipulation is the ground for the fabrication of advanced micro devices that combine standard micro/nanofluids with functional materials. In this review, we will present the advantages of the functionalization of silica and titania mesoporous materials deposited in thin film. Different functional groups used to modify their properties will be summarized, as well as functionalization methods and some examples of applications of modified materials, thus giving an overview of the essential role of functionalization to improve the performance of such innovative materials.

Luminescent sensing from a new Zn(ii) metal–organic framework

The title compound is a potential candidate for developing novel luminescence sensors for the selective sensing of nitrobenzene which can be deployed for explosives, Fe³⁺ and organic dyes.

A luminescent dye@MOF as a dual-emitting platform for sensing explosives

A luminescent dye@MOFviaion-exchange of cationic dyes was used as a probe to sense explosives by tuning the energy transfer between two different emissions.

MOF positioning technology and device fabrication

Methods for permanent localisation, dynamic localisation and spatial control of functional materials within MOF crystals are critical for the development of miniaturised MOF-based devices for a number of technological applications.

Combining UV lithography and an imprinting technique for patterning metal-organic frameworks

Thin metal-organic framework (MOF) films are patterned using UV lithography and an imprinting technique. A UV lithographed SU-8 film is imprinted onto a film of MOF powder forming a 2D MOF patterned film. This straightforward method can be applied to most MOF materials, is versatile, cheap, and potentially useful for commercial applications such as lab-on-a-chip type devices.