Characterisation of deposition and assembly of nanoparticles induced by ultrasonic process and temperature confinement

The mechanisms related to nanoparticles’ deposition and assembly on solid surfaces have been investigated with attention to their potential applications in a variety of fields. In the present work, we report the structure of nanoparticle collectives that are deposited on solid surfaces following ultrasonic dispersion. These substrates are subsequently annealed under a series of temperatures. The surface wettability of the nanoparticle-induced structure is investigated using contact angle measurement. The influence of annealing temperatures on the assembly of nanoparticles is revealed by Atomic Force Microscopy. The characteristics of the structures assembled from the nanoparticles, through ultrasonic and annealing processes, are thus demonstrated.

► We prepare micro and nano-structured surfaces via nano-suspensions.
► The nano-suspensions are ultrasonically processed.
► These substrates are subsequently annealed under a series of temperatures.
► Hierarchical structure is formed and provides multilayered roughness.
► The formed surface structures show superhydrophilicity.