Writing self-assembled mesostructured films with in situ formation of gold nanoparticles

We have developed an integrated technology that allows patterning and formation of goldnanoparticles in self-assembled mesoporous films in a single step; this technique allows fabrication of patterned structures with high aspect ratios in a direct, simple, and reproducible way. We have used high intensity X-rays that interact with the mesoporous matrix through different processes, by removing the organic templates, increasing the polycondensation of the organic-inorganic silica network, and partially removing the methyl groups bonded in the hybrid matrix. The final material, after patterning and chemical etching, exhibits gold nanoparticles of few nanometers homogeneously dispersed in the porous matrix. © 2010 American Chemical Society.