Development of a simple, revolutionary printing technique for periodic nano/microstructures

A team of researchers has developed a printing technique capable of forming a periodic nano/microstructure on the surface of a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) slab and easily transferring it onto the surface of a glass substrate. This technique enables us to create materials with useful functions -- including water-repellency and the ability to generate structural colors -- without expensive equipment and complex processes. In addition, the technique may be used to fabricate materials capable of realizing anti-fogging and/or generating structural colors on their surfaces -- functions potentially useful in the development of innovative gas sensors.