A metal oxide coating has a nanotextured surface defined by a plurality of capillary
openings arranged in a pattern on the surface of the coating. Each of the capillary
openings have a diameter defined by a previously present organic macromolecule.
The metal oxide coating is formed by depositing a solution containing uniformly
dispersed micelles composed of amphiphilic molecules on a metal, oxide, or plastic
substrate. The micelles are self-arranging, in solution, as a result of mutually
repulsive electrostatic forces on the surface of the micelles, and form a uniformly
patterned organic template when the solution is deposited on the surface of the
substrate. A metal oxide coating is then applied to the substrate, which forms
a ceramic monolayer that is a negative image of the organic template. The organic
template is then removed, thereby forming a metal oxide coating having a plurality
of macromolecular-sized apertures formed therein.
