Embedded nanoparticle films and method for their formation in selective areas on a surface

A method of positioning nanoparticles on a patterned substrate, the method comprising:

• providing a patterned substrate with selectively positioned recesses;
• applying a solution or suspension of nanoparticles to the patterned substrate to form a wetted substrate;
• dragging a wiper member across a surface of the wetted substrate to remove a portion of the applied nanoparticles from the wetted substrate such that a substantial number of the remaining portion of the applied nanoparticles are disposed in the selectively positioned recesses;
• heating the wiped substrate with the remaining portion of the applied nanoparticles disposed in the selectively positioned recesses;
• wherein the nanoparticles are catalytic sites for the growth of one-dimensional materials.