Cost Effective Nanostructured Materials for the Undergraduate Lab: Nanotextured Aluminum Surfaces

Authors: Brazell, J. Tres; Sykes, E. Charles H.; Deguzman, Panfilo C.; Subaran, Sarah; Patel, Sonal; El-Kouedi, Mahnaz

Source: Journal of Nano Education, Volume 1, Number 1, March 2009 , pp. 42-47(6)

Publisher: American Scientific Publishers

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Abstract:

We present a cost effective, facile synthesis of nanotextured aluminum surfaces. These nanopatterned materials are appropriate for incorporation into undergraduate laboratory activities as they require minimal equipment and utilize a common starting material, i.e., commercial aluminum foil. The fabrication procedure and characterization of the nanomaterials is presented, including electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy data of surfaces fabricated by undergraduates at our institution. In addition, possible applications of these surfaces suitable for undergraduate labs are described, in particular, their application as surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates.

Keywords: NANOSTRUCTURED MATERIALS; ALUMINUM ANODIZATION; ATOMIC FORCE MICROSCOPY; SURFACE ENHANCED RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1166/jne.2009.007

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