From circular to triangular alumina nanopore arrays via simple replication

摘要

We found inverse-hexagonal packing pattern from self-assembled anodic aluminum oxide and exploited the pattern to obtain triangular pore array. By replicating the curved interface between aluminum and porous alumina, we fabricated a pattern with the opposite packing structure as well as the inversed pattern curvature. Anodization from the replicated structure formed triangular pores in inverse-hexagonal packing, whereas that from the original pattern produces circular pores in hexagonal packing. Our finding highlights the importance of the curvature as well as packing structure of pre-patterns in pore formation and achievement in the control via a simple replication process.