Published online by Cambridge University Press: 21 July 2011
We report a modified deep reactive ion etching method to realize high aspect ratio features and nano-grasses on silicon substrates. This etching technique uses sequential etching and passivation sub-cycles and it is based on three gases of H2, O2 and SF6 in the presence of rf-plasma. By adjusting the etching parameters such as the flows of various gases, the plasma power and duration of each cycle, the process can be controlled to obtain high aspect ratio vertical structures on silicon substrates. Features with aspect ratios of the order of 30–50 and heights of the order of 25–30 μm are obtained. On the other hand, one can program the etching parameters to achieve grass-full structures in desired places and with pre-designed patterns. The formation of nano-grass on silicon surface, improves its wetability with water and oil spills. This property has been used to entrap carbon nanotubes onto nano-structured surfaces in desired places.