In-situ nanowire array synthesis in the microchannel for microfluidic devices

We have developed a novel method to synthesize and integrate one dimensional nanostructures within microfluidic chip via hydrothermal reaction with the microchannel as a physical constraint. Precursor solution of metal oxide (ZnO) nanowire is flown through the microfluidic channel while the thermal energy is supplied either throughout the entire chip by heating plate or near selected regions by microscale metal heaters. This global or localized heating of ZnO precursor solution allows hydrothermal growth of ZnO nanowires and their in-situ integration within microfluidic channel. This novel method is expected to be used as a convenient route to the fabrication of nanostructure-based chemical / biological filters and electrodes for electrochemical sensors for microfluidic lab-on-a-chip systems.