Methods for making and compositions of two dimensional particle arrays

Abstract

A method of preparation of a 2-D array of particles comprising: mixing the particles and a first liquid, the first liquid having the properties of being soluble in water and reducing surface tension of a water surface; adding the mixture to the water surface; and transferring the 2-D array onto a solid surface. A composition comprising: a 2-D array of particles; and a polymer substantially enveloping the 2-D array of particles.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of preparation of a 2-D array of particles comprising:
 mixing the particles and a first liquid, the first liquid having the properties of being soluble in water and reducing surface tension of a water surface;   adding the mixture to the water surface; and   transferring the 2-D array onto a solid surface.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the first liquid is miscible with water. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the solid surface is reflective. 
     
     
         4 . A method of preparation of an embedded 2-D array comprising:
 forming a 2-D array from particles;   placing a polymer precursor solution onto the 2-D array;   polymerization of the polymer precursor solution to form the embedded 2-D array.   
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4  wherein the polymer comprises a hydrogel. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 4  further comprising: placing an inert surface over the polymer precursor solution prior to polymerization. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6  further comprising: removing the embedded 2-D array from the inert surface.