Large-area self assembled monolayers of silica microspheres formed by dip coating

Formation by dip coating of highly ordered and closely packed, self assembled monolayers (SAMs) of microsized silica spheres has been reported. Under optimized coating conditions, SAMs were formed with 2 mu m diameter silica spheres on record-breakingly large areas, measuring 3x10 mm(2) on silicon substrates and 1.5x11 mm(2) on glass substrates. The SAMs structure and their spatial extension were significantly influenced by the concentration of the solution, withdrawal speed, immersion time, relative humidity, types of solvent and substrate material. The SAMs of silica microspheres provide a glimpse into the wide range of photonic applications for dip coating such as surface texturing and anti-reflection coatings.