I have prepared nanowires by template assissted electrodeposition and I'm trying to get some HRTEM images. Only probably is the polycarbonate template is not fully dissolving away from the nanowires. Any thoughts on what solvent, conditions, times etc. I need to fully dissolve the template. I have been using dichloromethane. I've seen papers where others have used DMF - is this a better solvent for the job.
Similar question was asked before on research-gate, see the link below:
https://www.researchgate.net/post/What_would_be_the_best_solvent_for_PC2
Also a google search reveled a paragraph (from a book) suggesting use of chloroform, (see the link)
https://books.google.co.in/books?id=LfH9rvep2AIC&pg=SA20-PA7&lpg=SA20-PA7&dq=dissolving+polycarbonate+template&source=bl&ots=Fd8vjVYfiA&sig=AFZ0Fksb3pAynzVM_c8HUkv3VnE&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi9wsKN6rnSAhUDJZQKHSp5CyMQ6AEIiQEwDg#v=onepage&q=dissolving%20polycarbonate%20template&f=false
There are some reports suggesting use of chloroform for dissolving PC by immersing it for 2 h at 4 deg C with mild/low ultrasonication.
Hope this will help.
I usually do it by DCM, 5 etchings 15 mins each but I think that it depends on the thickness of your template. Anyway I know that TCM is good too.
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