(624b) Insertion and Immobilization of Pre-Synthesized Particles Into Sub-100 Nm Porous Structures By Electrophoresis

Pulse and direct current (DC) electrophoretic deposition of nanometer-sized particles (average sizes of 10 and 50 nm) into sub-100 nm scaled pore arrays made from anodized aluminum has been investigated. The deposited particles were observed when several parameters such as pH, applied voltage, and particle size were altered. At the applied voltages lower than the decomposition voltage of water (1 V), the number concentration of the particles deposited by conventional (constant) DC was higher than that of pulse DC. The number of deposited particles increased with increasing pH. The deposition efficiency inside the pores was enhanced by applying pulse DC. When the voltage as high as 10 V was applied however, no particles were observed inside the pores even by application of pulsed DC. The adhesion strength (removal behavior) of the deposition was evaluated by application of a particle-detachment system based on ultrasonic energy on the structure. The particles deposited inside the pores in the 1 V samples were not found to be detached in contrast to those on the surface.