Self-assembled bifunctional surface mimics an enzymatic and templating protein for the synthesis of a metal oxide semiconductor.

摘要: The recent discovery and characterization of silicatein, a mineral-synthesizing enzyme that assembles to form the filamentous organic core glassy skeletal elements (spicules) marine sponge, has led development new low-temperature synthetic routes metastable semiconducting metal oxides. These protein filaments were shown in vitro catalyze hydrolysis structurally direct polycondensation oxides at neutral pH low temperature. Based on confirmation catalytic mechanism essential participation specific serine histidine residues (presenting nucleophilic hydroxyl nucleophilicity-enhancing hydrogen-bonding imidazole nitrogen) silicatein’s active site, we therefore sought develop mimic provides both catalysis surface determinants necessary template heterogeneous nucleation through condensation. Using lithographically patterned poly(dimethylsiloxane) stamps, bifunctional self-assembled monolayer surfaces containing templating fabricated by using alkane thiols microcontact-printed gold substrates. interface between chemically distinct domains provided juxtaposition (hydroxyl) (imidazole) agents gallium oxide precursor condensed product oxohydroxide (GaOOH) defect spinel, gamma-gallium (γ-Ga2O3). this approach, production substrates for synthesis semiconductors device applications can be envisioned.