Title: Micro- and nanoscale structures by sol-gel processing

Authors: Kristjan Saal, Tanel Tatte, Martin Jarvekulg, Valter Reedo, Ants Lohmus, Ilmar Kink

Addresses: Estonian Nanotechnology Competence Centre, Institute of Physics, University of Tartu, Riia 142, 51014 Tartu, Estonia. ' Estonian Nanotechnology Competence Centre, Institute of Physics, University of Tartu, Riia 142, 51014 Tartu, Estonia. ' Estonian Nanotechnology Competence Centre, Institute of Physics, University of Tartu, Riia 142, 51014 Tartu, Estonia. ' Estonian Nanotechnology Competence Centre, Institute of Physics, University of Tartu, Riia 142, 51014 Tartu, Estonia. ' Estonian Nanotechnology Competence Centre, Institute of Physics, University of Tartu, Riia 142, 51014 Tartu, Estonia. ' Estonian Nanotechnology Competence Centre, Institute of Physics, University of Tartu, Riia 142, 51014 Tartu, Estonia.

Abstract: An overview of the practical output of sol-gel chemistry is demonstrated from the viewpoint of its contribution to the design of 1D and 2D materials. Different structures like thin films, fibres, needles, microtubes, -patterns and -rolls are discussed. In most cases, the advantages of sol-gel processing feasibility and cost-effectiveness are clearly evident. Accompanied by flexibility of production and good quality of the formed structures, the method offers interesting possibilities for practical applications such as sensors, opto-electronic devices, scintillators, etc.

Keywords: sol-gel processing; nanostructures; thin films; fibres; microtubes; materials technology; gel film rolling; tape casting; nanotechnology; needles.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMPT.2011.037203

International Journal of Materials and Product Technology, 2011 Vol.40 No.1/2, pp.2 - 14

Published online: 28 Feb 2015 *

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