Patent ID: 8268546

Claim:
A process for producing an element, comprising the steps of: providing a structure for pattern formation comprising: a substrate; a photocatalyst-containing layer provided on the substrate; and, provided on the photocatalyst-containing layer, a layer that is decomposable and removable through photocatalytic action upon pattern-wise exposure, performing pattern-wise exposure of the photocatalyst-containing layer, and forming a functional layer provided on the structure for pattern formation in areas corresponding to a pattern obtained by the pattern-wise exposure of the photocatalyst-containing layer, wherein the wettability of a surface of the structure for pattern formation is changed by the action of the photocatalyst; and wherein the pattern-wise exposure of the photocatalyst-containing layer is carried out while heating the structure for pattern formation at 60-100 degrees Celsius, comprising the following steps at the time of forming the functional layer and thereby forming the functional layer in the areas corresponding to the pattern: decomposing and removing the layer that is decomposable and removable through photocatalytic action upon pattern-wise exposure from an exposed area by pattern exposing the structure for pattern formation; laminating a composition for a functional layer onto the whole surface of the structure for pattern formation; and keeping the functional layer on the exposed area of the structure for pattern formation and removing the functional layer, provided on the layer that is decomposable and removable through photocatalytic action upon pattern-wise exposure, in its unexposed areas, to form a patterned functional layer, wherein the step of forming the functional layer provided on the structure for pattern formation utilizes vacuum.