Direct Writing Micropatterns with a Resolution up to 1 µm

Solution processes have been widely used to fabricate micropatterned surfaces for its mild operation conditions. However, current approaches suffer from limitations of either low resolution or high cost. Here, a facile approach is proposed for direct writing micropatterns with a resolution up to ≈1 µm using a unit of triple conical fibers with the side-by-side parallel arrangement. With this unit, the resolution of the micropatterns can be mainly controlled by the single central conical fiber, with one side of the fiber facilitating continuous and steady liquid transfer onto the substrate and the other side mechanically supporting the whole unit. Particularly, the unit enables tunable dimension of the micropatterns within a rather large scale from ≈1 µm to ≈1.3 mm by varying the writing parameters (speed, height, and angle). Moreover, the unit is applicable for direct patterning various liquids, even into microline arrays, with a high resolution. It enables direct writing conductive microline with a width of ≈1 µm in a centimeter length scale, which can be used for constructing microcircuits. It is envisioned that the result offers a new perspective for preparing high-resolution micropatterns using solution processes.