Large area deposition of ordered nanoparticle layers by electrospray

Mass production of ordered nanostructures with enhanced optical properties such as colloidal crystals for applications such as solar cells or organic light emitted diodes demands low-cost and large-scale manufacturing techniques. In order to enlarge the deposition area of colloidal crystals, this paper presents the results of two different approaches that use the electrospray technique. Areas as large as 25 cm² have been achieved by using an array of needles, whereas up to 7.5 cm² areas were achieved by using an additional focusing electrode placed on the same plane as the needle nozzle. COMSOL simulations have been used as a guide for the set up design. The ordered deposition of the nanoparticles has been assessed by reflectance measurements and SEM/FIB observations.