Abstract:
The modern development of nanotechnology requires the discovery of simple approaches
that ensure the controlled formation of functional nanostructures with a predetermined morphology.
One of the simplest approaches is the self-assembly of nanostructures. The widespread implementation
of self-assembly is limited by the complexity of controlled processes in a large volume where, due to the
temperature, ion concentration, and other thermodynamics factors, local changes in diffusion-limited
processes may occur, leading to unexpected nanostructure growth. The easiest ways to control
the diffusion-limited processes are spatial limitation and localized growth of nanostructures in a
porous matrix. In this paper, we propose to apply the method of controlled self-assembly of gold
nanostructures in a limited pore volume of a silicon oxide matrix with submicron pore sizes. A detailed
study of achieved gold nanostructures’ morphology, microstructure, and surface composition at different formation stages is carried out to understand the peculiarities of realized nanostructures.
Based on the obtained results, a mechanism for the growth of gold nanostructures in a limited volume,
which can be used for the controlled formation of nanostructures with a predetermined geometry
and composition, has been proposed. The results observed in the present study can be useful for the
design of plasmonic-active surfaces for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy-based detection of
ultra-low concentration of different chemical or biological analytes, where the size of the localized
gold nanostructures is comparable with the spot area of the focused laser beam.
