1
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The Influence of Annealing Atmosphere, Blending Ratio, and Molecular Weight on the Phase Behavior of Blend Materials. Processes (Basel) 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/pr9091586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In the study of block copolymers, many parameters need to be adjusted to obtain good phase separation results. Based on block copolymer polystyrene-b-polycarbonate and homopolymer polystyrene, the effects of the annealing atmosphere, blending ratio, and molecular weight on phase separation were studied. The results show that annealing in air can inhibit the occurrence of phase separation. In addition, snowflake patterns are formed during phase separation. The blending ratio affects the quality of the pattern. The molecular weight affects the size of the pattern, and the size increases as the molecular weight increases. In this article, the influence of process conditions and materials on phase separation was discussed, which has laid a solid foundation for the development of block copolymer self-assembly in the future.
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2
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Luo L, Lyu X, Tang Z, Shen Z, Fan XH. Thin-Film Self-Assembly of Block Copolymers Containing an Azobenzene-Based Liquid Crystalline Polymer and a Poly(ionic liquid). Macromolecules 2020. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.0c01063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Longfei Luo
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Xiaolin Lyu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Zhehao Tang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Zhihao Shen
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Xing-He Fan
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
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3
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Leniart A, Pula P, Sitkiewicz A, Majewski PW. Macroscopic Alignment of Block Copolymers on Silicon Substrates by Laser Annealing. ACS NANO 2020; 14:4805-4815. [PMID: 32159943 PMCID: PMC7497666 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.0c00696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Laser annealing is a competitive alternative to conventional oven annealing of block copolymer (BCP) thin films enabling rapid acceleration and precise spatial control of the self-assembly process. Localized heating by a moving laser beam (zone annealing), taking advantage of steep temperature gradients, can additionally yield aligned morphologies. In its original implementation it was limited to specialized germanium-coated glass substrates, which absorb visible light and exhibit low-enough thermal conductivity to facilitate heating at relatively low irradiation power density. Here, we demonstrate a recent advance in laser zone annealing, which utilizes a powerful fiber-coupled near-IR laser source allowing rapid BCP annealing over a large area on conventional silicon wafers. The annealing coupled with photothermal shearing yields macroscopically aligned BCP films, which are used as templates for patterning metallic nanowires. We also report a facile method of transferring laser-annealed BCP films onto arbitrary surfaces. The transfer process allows patterning substrates with a highly corrugated surface and single-step rapid fabrication of multilayered nanomaterials with complex morphologies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Przemyslaw Pula
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, 02089, Poland
| | | | - Pawel W. Majewski
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, 02089, Poland
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4
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Lithography-Free Route to Hierarchical Structuring of High-χ Block Copolymers on a Gradient Patterned Surface. MATERIALS 2020; 13:ma13020304. [PMID: 31936578 PMCID: PMC7013446 DOI: 10.3390/ma13020304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2019] [Revised: 01/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
A chemically defined patterned surface was created via a combined process of controlled evaporative self-assembly of concentric polymer stripes and the selective surface modification of polymer brush. The former process involved physical adsorption of poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) segments into silicon oxide surface, thus forming ultrathin PMMA stripes, whereas the latter process was based on the brush treatment of silicon native oxide surface using a hydroxyl-terminated polystyrene (PS-OH). The resulting alternating PMMA- and PS-rich stripes provided energetically favorable regions for self-assembly of high χ polystyrene-block-polydimethylsiloxane (PS-b-PDMS) in a simple and facile manner, dispensing the need for conventional lithography techniques. Subsequently, deep reactive ion etching and oxygen plasma treatment enabled the transition of the PDMS blocks into oxidized groove-shaped nanostructures.
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5
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Susca EM, Beaucage PA, Thedford RP, Singer A, Gruner SM, Estroff LA, Wiesner U. Preparation of Macroscopic Block-Copolymer-Based Gyroidal Mesoscale Single Crystals by Solvent Evaporation. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2019; 31:e1902565. [PMID: 31441153 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201902565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Revised: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Properties arising from ordered periodic mesostructures are often obscured by small, randomly oriented domains and grain boundaries. Bulk macroscopic single crystals with mesoscale periodicity are needed to establish fundamental structure-property correlations for materials ordered at this length scale (10-100 nm). A solvent-evaporation-induced crystallization method providing access to large (millimeter to centimeter) single-crystal mesostructures, specifically bicontinuous gyroids, in thick films (>100 µm) derived from block copolymers is reported. After in-depth crystallographic characterization of single-crystal block copolymer-preceramic nanocomposite films, the structures are converted into mesoporous ceramic monoliths, with retention of mesoscale crystallinity. When fractured, these monoliths display single-crystal-like cleavage along mesoscale facets. The method can prepare macroscopic bulk single crystals with other block copolymer systems, suggesting that the method is broadly applicable to block copolymer materials assembled by solvent evaporation. It is expected that such bulk single crystals will enable fundamental understanding and control of emergent mesostructure-based properties in block-copolymer-directed metal, semiconductor, and superconductor materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan M Susca
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Peter A Beaucage
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - R Paxton Thedford
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
- Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Andrej Singer
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Sol M Gruner
- Department of Physics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
- Kavli Institute at Cornell for Nanoscale Science, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Lara A Estroff
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
- Kavli Institute at Cornell for Nanoscale Science, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Ulrich Wiesner
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
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6
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Mu D, Li JQ, Cong XS, Mi YW, Zhang H. Solvent Effect on the Self-Assembly of a Thin Film Consisting of Y-Shaped Copolymer. Polymers (Basel) 2019; 11:polym11020261. [PMID: 30960246 PMCID: PMC6419031 DOI: 10.3390/polym11020261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The self-assembly of an amphiphilic Y-shaped copolymer consisting of two hydrophilic branches and one hydrophobic branch in a thin film is investigated under different conditions by virtue of mesoscopic computer modelling, accompanied by doping with a single solvent, doping with a binary solvent, and those solvent environments together with the introduction of confinement defined by various acting distances and influencing regions. A cylindrical micellar structure is maintained, as it is in the thin film with the doping of either 10% hydrophobic solvent or 10% hydrophilic solvent, whose structure consists of the hydrophobic core and hydrophilic shell. Attributed to the hydrophobicity/hydrophilia nature of the solvents, different solvents play an obvious role on the self-assembled structure, i.e., the hydrophobic solvent presents as a swelling effect, conversely, the hydrophilic solvent presents as a shrinking effect. Further, the synergistic effect of the binary solvents on the self-assembly produces the lowest values in both the average volumetric size and free energy density when the quantity of hydrophobic solvent and hydrophilic solvent is equivalent. Interestingly, the solvent effect becomes more pronounced under the existent of a confinement. When a lateral-oriented confinement is introduced, a periodically fluctuating change in the cylindrical size occurs in two near-wall regions, but the further addition of either hydrophobic or hydrophilic solvent can effectively eliminate such resulting hierarchical-sized cylinders and generate uniform small-sized cylinders. However, with the introduction of a horizontal-orientated confinement, the copolymers self-assemble into the spherical micellar structure. Moreover, the further addition of hydrophobic solvent leads to a decrease in the average size of micelles via coalescence mechanism, in contrast, the further addition of hydrophilic solvent causes an increase in the average size of micelles via splitting mechanism. These findings enrich our knowledge of the potential for the solvent effect on the self-assembly of amphiphilic copolymer system, and then provide theoretical supports on improving and regulating the mesoscopic structure of nanomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Mu
- College of Chemistry Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Zaozhuang University, Zaozhuang 277160, China.
- Advanced Photonics Center, Southeast University, 2# Sipailou, Nanjing 210096, China.
| | - Jian-Quan Li
- Opto-Electronic Engineering College, Zaozhuang University, Zaozhuang 277160, China.
| | - Xing-Shun Cong
- College of Chemistry Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Zaozhuang University, Zaozhuang 277160, China.
| | - Yu-Wei Mi
- College of Chemistry Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Zaozhuang University, Zaozhuang 277160, China.
| | - Han Zhang
- College of Chemistry Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Zaozhuang University, Zaozhuang 277160, China.
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7
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Wang HS, Kim KH, Bang J. Thermal Approaches to Perpendicular Block Copolymer Microdomains in Thin Films: A Review and Appraisal. Macromol Rapid Commun 2018; 40:e1800728. [PMID: 30500096 DOI: 10.1002/marc.201800728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2018] [Revised: 11/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Block copolymer thin films are highly versatile and accessible materials capable of producing nanofeatures in the size regime of a few to hundreds of nanometers by a simple spin-coating-and-anneal process. Unfortunately, this simple protocol usually leads to parallel microdomains, which limits the applicability of such nanofeatures. A great deal of effort has been put into achieving perpendicular microdomains, but those that incorporate thermal annealing are arguably the most practical and reproducible in the lab and industry. This review discusses the recent ongoing efforts on various thermal approaches to achieving perpendicular microdomains in order to provide the readers with a toolbox to work with.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Suk Wang
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki Hyun Kim
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Joona Bang
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
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8
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Cho SM, Song G, Park C, Lee Y, Kang HS, Lee W, Park S, Huh J, Ryu DY, Park C. Surface functionalized nanostructures via position registered supramolecular polymer assembly. NANOSCALE 2018; 10:6333-6342. [PMID: 29443335 DOI: 10.1039/c7nr07852h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Versatile control of cylindrical nanostructures formed by supramolecular assembly of end-functionalized polymer blends is demonstrated not only in their orientation over large areas but also in their surface chemical functionalities. Two binary blends consisting of supramolecular analogues of diblock copolymers with complementary end-sulfonated and aminated groups are investigated, viz., mono-end-functionalized polymers of (i) one-end-sulfonated polystyrene (SPS) and one-end-aminated poly(butadiene) (APBD) and (ii) one end-aminated polystyrene (APS) and one end-sulfonated poly(butadiene) (SPBD). The orientation of the cylinders with respect to the substrate surface depends on the solvent annealing time; either hexagonally ordered vertical cylinders or in-plane ones are readily obtained by controlling the solvent annealing time. Selective chemical etching of one of the polymers provides four different chemically modified nanostructures, viz., hexagonally ordered cylindrical holes and cylindrical posts with either sulfonate or amine surface functional groups. Additional supramolecular assembly is successfully achieved by solution coating either polymers or organic dyes that complementarily interact with the functional groups on the nanostructures. Furthermore, the supramolecularly assembled nanostructures are controlled by confining them to topographically pre-patterned Si substrates with pattern geometries of various shapes and sizes to produce globally ordered vertical or in-plane cylinders with chemical functionalities on their surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suk Man Cho
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Yonsei University, Yonsei-ro 50, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.
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9
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Mu D, Li JQ, Feng SY. Self-assembled morphologies of an amphiphilic Y-shaped weak polyelectrolyte in a thin film. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2017; 19:31011-31023. [PMID: 28967926 DOI: 10.1039/c7cp05497a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Different from the self-assembly of neutral polymers, polyelectrolytes self-assemble into smaller aggregates with a more loosely assembled structure, which results from the repulsive forces acting between similar electrical compositions with the introduction of ions. The Y-shaped weak polyelectrolytes self-assemble into a core-shell type cylindrical structure with a hexagonal arrangement in a thin film, whose thickness is smaller than the gyration radius of the polymer chain. The corresponding formation mechanism consists of enrichment of the same components, adjustment of the shape of the aggregate, and the subsequent separation into individual aggregates. With the increase in the thickness of the thin film until it exceeds the gyration radius of the polymer chain, combined with the greater freedom of movement along the direction of thin film thickness, the self-assembled structure changes into a micellar structure. Under confinement, the repulsive force to the polymeric components is weakened by the repulsive forces among polyelectrolyte components with like charges, and this helps in generating aggregates with more uniform size and density distribution. In particular, when the repulsive force between the walls and the core forming components is greater than that between the walls and the shell forming components, such asymmetric confinement produces a crossed-cylindrical structure with nearly perpendicular arrangement of two cylinder arrays. Similarly, a novel three-crossed cylinder morphology is self-assembled upon removal of confinement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Mu
- Institute of Research on the Structure and Property of Matter, Zaozhuang University, Shandong 277160, China.
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10
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Mu D, Li JQ, Feng SY. One-dimensional Confinement Effect on the Self-assembly of Symmetric H-shaped Copolymers in a Thin Film. Sci Rep 2017; 7:13610. [PMID: 29051545 PMCID: PMC5648831 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-13375-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2016] [Accepted: 09/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The self-assembly of a reformed symmetric H-shaped copolymer with four hydrophilic branches and one hydrophobic stem was systematically investigated. The existence of vacancies is vital to regulate the sizes of self-assembled cylinders to be able to form a hexagonal arrangement. With the introduction of horizontal-orientated confinement, a micellar structure is formed through a coalescence mechanism. The short acting distance and large influencing area of the confinement produces numerous small-sized micelles. Additionally, the cycled “contraction-expansion” change helps achieve hexagonal arrangement. In contrast, the introduction of lateral-oriented confinement with long acting distance and small influencing area cannot change the cylindrical structure. Under the fission mechanism, in which the larger cylinder splits into smaller ones, it is quite efficient to generate hierarchical-sized cylinders from larger-sized cylinders in the middle region and smaller-sized cylinders near both walls. The results indicate the possibility of regulating the characteristics of a nanomaterial by tuning the molecular structure of the copolymer and the parameters of the introduced confinement, which are closely related to the self-assembly structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Mu
- Institute of Research on the Structure and Property of Matter, Zaozhuang University, Zaozhuang, 277160, China.
| | - Jian-Quan Li
- Opto-electronic Engineering College, Zaozhuang University, Zaozhuang, 277160, China
| | - Sheng-Yu Feng
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, 250100, China
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11
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Hill JD, Millett PC. Numerical Simulations of Directed Self-Assembly in Diblock Copolymer Films using Zone Annealing and Pattern Templating. Sci Rep 2017; 7:5250. [PMID: 28701696 PMCID: PMC5507907 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-05565-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2017] [Accepted: 05/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Bulk fabrication of surface patterns with sub-20 nm feature sizes is immensely desirable for many existing and emerging technologies. Directed self-assembly (DSA) of block copolymers (BCPs) has been a recently demonstrated approach to achieve such feature resolution over large-scale areas with minimal defect populations. However, much work remains to understand and optimize DSA methods in order to move this field forward. This paper presents large-scale numerical simulations of zone annealing and chemo-epitaxy processing of BCP films to achieve long-range orientational order. The simulations utilize a Time-Dependent Ginzburg-Landau model and parallel processing to elucidate relationships between the magnitude and velocity of a moving thermal gradient and the resulting BCP domain orientations and defect densities. Additional simulations have been conducted to study to what degree orientational order can be further improved by combining zone annealing and chemo-epitaxy techniques. It is found that these two DSA methods do synergistically enhance long-range order with a particular relationship between thermal gradient velocity and chemical template spacing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph D Hill
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, USA
| | - Paul C Millett
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, USA.
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12
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13
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Alharbe LG, Register RA, Hobbs JK. Orientation Control and Crystallization in a Soft Confined Phase Separated Block Copolymer. Macromolecules 2017. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.6b02361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lamiaa G. Alharbe
- Department
of Physics and Astronomy, University of Sheffield, Hicks Building, Sheffield S3 7RH, United Kingdom
| | - Richard A. Register
- Department
of Chemical and Biological Engineering and Princeton Institute for
the Science and Technology of Materials, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
| | - Jamie K. Hobbs
- Department
of Physics and Astronomy, University of Sheffield, Hicks Building, Sheffield S3 7RH, United Kingdom
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14
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Xie HL, Li X, Ren J, Bishop C, Arges CG, Nealey PF. Controlling domain orientation of liquid crystalline block copolymer in thin films through tuning mesogenic chemical structures. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/polb.24302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- He-Lou Xie
- Institute for Molecular Engineering; The University of Chicago; Chicago Illinois 60637
| | - Xiao Li
- Institute for Molecular Engineering; The University of Chicago; Chicago Illinois 60637
| | - Jiaxing Ren
- Institute for Molecular Engineering; The University of Chicago; Chicago Illinois 60637
| | - Camille Bishop
- Institute for Molecular Engineering; The University of Chicago; Chicago Illinois 60637
| | - Christopher G. Arges
- Cain Department of Chemical Engineering; Louisiana State University; Baton Rouge Louisiana 70803 USA
| | - Paul F. Nealey
- Institute for Molecular Engineering; The University of Chicago; Chicago Illinois 60637
- Materials Science Division; Argonne National Laboratory; Argonne Illinois 60439
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15
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Samant S, Strzalka J, Yager KG, Kisslinger K, Grolman D, Basutkar M, Salunke N, Singh G, Berry B, Karim A. Ordering Pathway of Block Copolymers under Dynamic Thermal Gradients Studied by in Situ GISAXS. Macromolecules 2016. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.6b01555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Saumil Samant
- Department
of Polymer Engineering, University of Akron, Akron, Ohio 44325, United States
| | - Joseph Strzalka
- X-ray
Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, Illinois 60439, United States
| | - Kevin G. Yager
- Center
for Functional Nanomaterials, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York 11973, United States
| | - Kim Kisslinger
- Center
for Functional Nanomaterials, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York 11973, United States
| | - Danielle Grolman
- Department
of Polymer Engineering, University of Akron, Akron, Ohio 44325, United States
| | - Monali Basutkar
- Department
of Polymer Engineering, University of Akron, Akron, Ohio 44325, United States
| | - Namrata Salunke
- Department
of Polymer Engineering, University of Akron, Akron, Ohio 44325, United States
| | - Gurpreet Singh
- Department
of Polymer Engineering, University of Akron, Akron, Ohio 44325, United States
| | - Brian Berry
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Arkansas, Little Rock, Arkansas 72701, United States
| | - Alamgir Karim
- Department
of Polymer Engineering, University of Akron, Akron, Ohio 44325, United States
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16
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Majewski PW, Yager KG. Rapid ordering of block copolymer thin films. JOURNAL OF PHYSICS. CONDENSED MATTER : AN INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS JOURNAL 2016; 28:403002. [PMID: 27537062 DOI: 10.1088/0953-8984/28/40/403002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Block-copolymers self-assemble into diverse morphologies, where nanoscale order can be finely tuned via block architecture and processing conditions. However, the ultimate usage of these materials in real-world applications may be hampered by the extremely long thermal annealing times-hours or days-required to achieve good order. Here, we provide an overview of the fundamentals of block-copolymer self-assembly kinetics, and review the techniques that have been demonstrated to influence, and enhance, these ordering kinetics. We discuss the inherent tradeoffs between oven annealing, solvent annealing, microwave annealing, zone annealing, and other directed self-assembly methods; including an assessment of spatial and temporal characteristics. We also review both real-space and reciprocal-space analysis techniques for quantifying order in these systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pawel W Majewski
- Center for Functional Nanomaterials, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY, USA. Department of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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17
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Cong Z, Zhang L, Wang L, Lin J. Understanding the ordering mechanisms of self-assembled nanostructures of block copolymers during zone annealing. J Chem Phys 2016; 144:114901. [DOI: 10.1063/1.4943864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Zhinan Cong
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Advanced Polymeric Materials, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Liangshun Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Advanced Polymeric Materials, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Liquan Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Advanced Polymeric Materials, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Jiaping Lin
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Advanced Polymeric Materials, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
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18
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Majewski PW, Yager KG. Reordering transitions during annealing of block copolymer cylinder phases. SOFT MATTER 2016; 12:281-94. [PMID: 26452102 DOI: 10.1039/c5sm02441b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
While equilibrium block-copolymer morphologies are dictated by energy-minimization effects, the semi-ordered states observed experimentally often depend on the details of ordering pathways and kinetics. Here, we explore reordering transitions in thin films of block-copolymer cylinder-forming polystyrene-block-poly(methyl methacrylate). We observe several transient states as films order towards horizontally-aligned cylinders. In particular, there is an early-stage reorganization from randomly-packed cylinders into hexagonally-packed vertically-aligned cylinders; followed by a reorientation transition from vertical to horizontal cylinder states. These transitions are thermally activated. The growth of horizontal grains within an otherwise vertical morphology proceeds anisotropically, resulting in anisotropic grains in the final horizontal state. The size, shape, and anisotropy of grains are influenced by ordering history; for instance, faster heating rates reduce grain anisotropy. These results help elucidate aspects of pathway-dependent ordering in block-copolymer thin films.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pawel W Majewski
- Center for Functional Nanomaterials, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York 11973, USA.
| | - Kevin G Yager
- Center for Functional Nanomaterials, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York 11973, USA.
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19
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Bai W, Gadelrab K, Alexander-Katz A, Ross CA. Perpendicular Block Copolymer Microdomains in High Aspect Ratio Templates. NANO LETTERS 2015; 15:6901-6908. [PMID: 26390190 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.5b02815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Perpendicular orientation of lamellar microdomains in a high interaction parameter block copolymer was obtained within high aspect ratio gratings functionalized with a preferential sidewall brush. The experiments used polystyrene-block-polydimethylsiloxane (PS-b-PDMS) with molecular weight 43 kg/mol within trenches made using interference lithography. The perpendicular alignment was obtained for both thermal and solvent annealing, using three different solvent vapors, for a range of film thicknesses and trench widths. A platinum (Pt) layer at the base of the trenches avoided the formation of a wetting layer, giving perpendicular orientation at the substrate surface. The results are interpreted using self-consistent field theory simulation and a Ginzburg-Landau analytic model to map the energies of lamellae of different orientations as a function of the grating aspect ratio and the surface energies of the sidewalls and top and bottom surfaces. The model results agree with the experiment and provide a set of guidelines for obtaining perpendicular microdomains within topographic features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wubin Bai
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology , Cambridge Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Karim Gadelrab
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology , Cambridge Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Alfredo Alexander-Katz
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology , Cambridge Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Caroline A Ross
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology , Cambridge Massachusetts 02139, United States
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20
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Formation of nanostructured thin films of immiscible polymer blends by directional crystallization onto a crystallizable organic solvent. Colloid Polym Sci 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s00396-015-3593-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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21
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Yager KG, Forrey C, Singh G, Satija SK, Page KA, Patton DL, Douglas JF, Jones RL, Karim A. Thermally-induced transition of lamellae orientation in block-copolymer films on 'neutral' nanoparticle-coated substrates. SOFT MATTER 2015; 11:5154-5167. [PMID: 26053660 DOI: 10.1039/c5sm00896d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Block-copolymer orientation in thin films is controlled by the complex balance between interfacial free energies, including the inter-block segregation strength, the surface tensions of the blocks, and the relative substrate interactions. While block-copolymer lamellae orient horizontally when there is any preferential affinity of one block for the substrate, we recently described how nanoparticle-roughened substrates can be used to modify substrate interactions. We demonstrate how such 'neutral' substrates can be combined with control of annealing temperature to generate vertical lamellae orientations throughout a sample, at all thicknesses. We observe an orientational transition from vertical to horizontal lamellae upon heating, as confirmed using a combination of atomic force microscopy (AFM), neutron reflectometry (NR) and rotational small-angle neutron scattering (RSANS). Using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we identify substrate-localized distortions to the lamellar morphology as the physical basis of the novel behavior. In particular, under strong segregation conditions, bending of horizontal lamellae induce a large energetic cost. At higher temperatures, the energetic cost of conformal deformations of lamellae over the rough substrate is reduced, returning lamellae to the typical horizontal orientation. Thus, we find that both surface interactions and temperature play a crucial role in dictating block-copolymer lamellae orientation. Our combined experimental and simulation findings suggest that controlling substrate roughness should provide a useful and robust platform for controlling block-copolymer orientation in applications of these materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin G Yager
- Center for Functional Nanomaterials, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY, USA.
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22
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Yang YB, Choi YJ, Kim SO, Kim JU. Directed self-assembly of cylinder-forming diblock copolymers on sparse chemical patterns. SOFT MATTER 2015; 11:4496-4506. [PMID: 25947222 DOI: 10.1039/c5sm00474h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Using both theory and experiment, we investigate the possibility of creating perfectly ordered block copolymer nanostructures on sparsely patterned substrates. Our study focuses on scrutinizing the appropriate pattern conditions to avoid undesired morphologies or defects when depositing cylinder-forming AB diblock copolymer thin films on the substrates which are mostly neutral with periodic stripe regions preferring the minority domain. By systematically exploring the parameter space using self-consistent field theory (SCFT), the optimal conditions for target phases are determined, and the effects of the chemical pattern period and the block copolymer film thickness on the target phase stability are also studied. Furthermore, as a sample experimental system, almost perfectly aligned polystyrene-block-poly(methyl methacrylate) (PS-b-PMMA) diblock copolymers are demonstrated. After the pattern transfer process, highly ordered Al nanodot arrays following the initial vertically aligned cylinder pattern are created. This systematic study demonstrates the ability to control the structure and the position of nanopatterns on sparse chemical patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Biao Yang
- Department of Physics, School of Natural Science, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan 689-798, Republic of Korea.
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23
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Majewski PW, Yager KG. Millisecond Ordering of Block Copolymer Films via Photothermal Gradients. ACS NANO 2015; 9:3896-906. [PMID: 25763534 DOI: 10.1021/nn5071827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
For the promise of self-assembly to be realized, processing techniques must be developed that simultaneously enable control of the nanoscale morphology, rapid assembly, and, ideally, the ability to pattern the nanostructure. Here, we demonstrate how photothermal gradients can be used to control the ordering of block copolymer thin films. Highly localized laser heating leads to intense thermal gradients, which induce a thermophoretic force on morphological defects. This increases the ordering kinetics by at least 3 orders of magnitude compared to conventional oven annealing. By simultaneously exploiting the thermal gradients to induce shear fields, we demonstrate uniaxial alignment of a block copolymer film in less than a second. Finally, we provide examples of how control of the incident light field can be used to generate prescribed configurations of block copolymer nanoscale patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pawel W Majewski
- Center for Functional Nanomaterials, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York 11973, United States
| | - Kevin G Yager
- Center for Functional Nanomaterials, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York 11973, United States
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24
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Maher MJ, Rettner CT, Bates CM, Blachut G, Carlson MC, Durand WJ, Ellison CJ, Sanders DP, Cheng JY, Willson CG. Directed self-assembly of silicon-containing block copolymer thin films. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2015; 7:3323-3328. [PMID: 25594107 DOI: 10.1021/am508197k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The directed self-assembly (DSA) of lamella-forming poly(styrene-block-trimethylsilylstyrene) (PS-PTMSS, L0=22 nm) was achieved using a combination of tailored top interfaces and lithographically defined patterned substrates. Chemo- and grapho-epitaxy, using hydrogen silsesquioxane (HSQ) based prepatterns, achieved density multiplications up to 6× and trench space subdivisions up to 7×, respectively. These results establish the compatibility of DSA techniques with a high etch contrast, Si-containing BCP that requires a top coat neutral layer to enable orientation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Maher
- Department of Chemistry and §McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin , Austin, Texas 78712, United States
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25
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Microphase Separation of a PS- b-PFS Block Copolymer viaSolvent Annealing: Effect of Solvent, Substrate, and Exposure Time on Morphology. INT J POLYM SCI 2015. [DOI: 10.1155/2015/270891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Block copolymer (BCP) lithography makes use of the microphase separation properties of BCPs to pattern ordered nanoscale features over large areas. This work presents the microphase separation of an asymmetric polystyrene-block-poly(ferrocenyl dimethylsilane) (PS-b-PFS) BCP that allows ordered arrays of nanostructures to be formed by spin casting PS-b-PFS on substrates and subsequent solvent annealing. The effects of the solvent annealing conditions on self-assembly and structural stability are discussed.
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26
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Zhang X, Douglas JF, Satija S, Karim A. Enhanced vertical ordering of block copolymer films by tuning molecular mass. RSC Adv 2015. [DOI: 10.1039/c5ra02047f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
An orientation transition with increasing BCP molecular mass from a parallel to a perpendicular orientation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohua Zhang
- Center for Soft Condensed Matter Physics and Interdisciplinary Research
- Soochow University
- Suzhou 215006
- China
| | - Jack F. Douglas
- Materials Science and Engineering Division
- Materials Measurement Laboratory
- National Institute of Standards and Technology
- Gaithersburg
- USA
| | - Sushil Satija
- NIST Center for Neutron Research
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
- Gaithersburg
- USA
| | - Alamgir Karim
- Department of Polymer Engineering
- University of Akron
- Akron
- USA
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27
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Bal JK, Beuvier T, Chebil MS, Vignaud G, Grohens Y, Sanyal MK, Gibaud A. Relaxation of Ultrathin Polystyrene Films Hyperswollen in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide. Macromolecules 2014. [DOI: 10.1021/ma501281t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J. K. Bal
- LUNAM
Université, IMMM, Faculté de Sciences, Université du Maine, UMR 6283 CNRS, Le Mans Cedex 9, 72000, France
- Centre
for Research in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, University of Calcutta, Technology Campus, Block JD2, Sector III, Saltlake City, Kolkata, 700098, India
| | - T. Beuvier
- LUNAM
Université, IMMM, Faculté de Sciences, Université du Maine, UMR 6283 CNRS, Le Mans Cedex 9, 72000, France
| | - M. S. Chebil
- LUNAM
Université, IMMM, Faculté de Sciences, Université du Maine, UMR 6283 CNRS, Le Mans Cedex 9, 72000, France
- Laboratoire
d’Ingénierie des MATériaux de Bretagne, Centre de Recherche, Rue de Saint Maudé, BP 92116, 56321 Lorient Cedex France
| | - G. Vignaud
- Laboratoire
d’Ingénierie des MATériaux de Bretagne, Centre de Recherche, Rue de Saint Maudé, BP 92116, 56321 Lorient Cedex France
| | - Y. Grohens
- Laboratoire
d’Ingénierie des MATériaux de Bretagne, Centre de Recherche, Rue de Saint Maudé, BP 92116, 56321 Lorient Cedex France
| | - M. K. Sanyal
- Surface
Physics and Material Science Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, 1/AF Bidhannagar, Kolkata 700064, India
| | - A. Gibaud
- LUNAM
Université, IMMM, Faculté de Sciences, Université du Maine, UMR 6283 CNRS, Le Mans Cedex 9, 72000, France
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28
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Hu H, Gopinadhan M, Osuji CO. Directed self-assembly of block copolymers: a tutorial review of strategies for enabling nanotechnology with soft matter. SOFT MATTER 2014; 10:3867-89. [PMID: 24740355 DOI: 10.1039/c3sm52607k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 241] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Self-assembly of soft materials is broadly considered an attractive means of generating nanoscale structures and patterns over large areas. However, the spontaneous formation of equilibrium nanostructures in response to temperature and concentration changes, for example, must be guided to yield the long-range order and orientation required for utility in a given scenario. In this review we examine directed self-assembly (DSA) of block copolymers (BCPs) as canonical examples of nanostructured soft matter systems which are additionally compelling for creating functional materials and devices. We survey well established and newly emerging DSA methods from a tutorial perspective. Special emphasis is given to exploring underlying physical phenomena, identifying prototypical BCPs that are compatible with different DSA techniques, describing experimental methods and highlighting the attractive functional properties of block copolymers overall. Finally we offer a brief perspective on some unresolved issues and future opportunities in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanqiong Hu
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA.
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29
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Cakmak M, Batra S, Yalcin B. Field assisted self-assembly for preferential through thickness (“z-direction”) alignment of particles and phases by electric, magnetic, and thermal fields using a novel roll-to-roll processing line. POLYM ENG SCI 2014. [DOI: 10.1002/pen.23861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Miko Cakmak
- Department of Polymer Engineering; University of Akron; Akron Ohio 44325
| | - Saurabh Batra
- Department of Polymer Engineering; University of Akron; Akron Ohio 44325
| | - Baris Yalcin
- Department of Polymer Engineering; University of Akron; Akron Ohio 44325
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30
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Xue J, Singh G, Qiang Z, Yager KG, Karim A, Vogt BD. Facile control of long range orientation in mesoporous carbon films with thermal zone annealing velocity. NANOSCALE 2013; 5:12440-12447. [PMID: 24166452 DOI: 10.1039/c3nr03591c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Ordered mesoporous carbons exhibit appealing properties for many applications, but their function and performance can depend critically on their structure. The in-plane orientation of 2D cylinders from the cooperative assembly of Pluronic P123 and resol has been controlled by application of cold zone annealing (CZA). By varying the moving rate, the preferential in-plane orientation of the self-assembled cylinders can be tuned through the entire 180° range possible from ϕ = 50° to ϕ = -130° (relative to the moving direction). At a moving rate of 2 μm s(-1), this simple and easy CZA process leads to cylinders that are well aligned parallel to the moving direction with a high orientational factor of S = 0.98. Moreover, the in-plane oriented cylinders can be nearly perfectly aligned transverse to the moving direction (S = 0.95) by simply decreasing the moving velocity to 0.5 μm s(-1). We attribute the parallel alignment to the flow that develops from the motion of the thermal gradients, while the transverse alignment is related to flow cessation (inertial effect). The preferential orientation is retained through the carbonization process, but there is some degradation in orientation due to insufficient crosslinking of the resol during CZA; this effect is most prominent for the higher moving rates (less time for crosslinking), but can be overcome by post-CZA annealing at uniform elevated temperatures to further crosslink the resol. CZA is a simple and powerful method for fabricating well-aligned and self-assembled mesoporous carbon films over large areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiachen Xue
- Department of Polymer Engineering, University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325, USA.
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31
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Komura M, Komiyama H, Nagai K, Iyoda T. Direct Observation of Faceted Grain Growth of Hexagonal Cylinder Domains in a Side Chain Liquid Crystalline Block Copolymer Matrix. Macromolecules 2013. [DOI: 10.1021/ma4015643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Motonori Komura
- Division
of Integrated Molecular
Engineering, Chemical Resources Laboratory, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259-R1-25, Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama 226-8503, Japan
| | - Hideaki Komiyama
- Division
of Integrated Molecular
Engineering, Chemical Resources Laboratory, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259-R1-25, Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama 226-8503, Japan
| | - Keiji Nagai
- Division
of Integrated Molecular
Engineering, Chemical Resources Laboratory, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259-R1-25, Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama 226-8503, Japan
| | - Tomokazu Iyoda
- Division
of Integrated Molecular
Engineering, Chemical Resources Laboratory, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259-R1-25, Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama 226-8503, Japan
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32
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Gianotti V, Antonioli D, Sparnacci K, Laus M, Giammaria TJ, Ferrarese Lupi F, Seguini G, Perego M. On the Thermal Stability of PS-b-PMMA Block and P(S-r-MMA) Random Copolymers for Nanopatterning Applications. Macromolecules 2013. [DOI: 10.1021/ma401023y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Gianotti
- Dipartimento
di Scienze e Innovazione Tecnologica (DISIT), Università del Piemonte Orientale ‘‘A. Avogadro’’, INSTM, UdR Alessandria, Viale T. Michel 11, Alessandria 15121, Italy
| | - Diego Antonioli
- Dipartimento
di Scienze e Innovazione Tecnologica (DISIT), Università del Piemonte Orientale ‘‘A. Avogadro’’, INSTM, UdR Alessandria, Viale T. Michel 11, Alessandria 15121, Italy
| | - Katia Sparnacci
- Dipartimento
di Scienze e Innovazione Tecnologica (DISIT), Università del Piemonte Orientale ‘‘A. Avogadro’’, INSTM, UdR Alessandria, Viale T. Michel 11, Alessandria 15121, Italy
| | - Michele Laus
- Dipartimento
di Scienze e Innovazione Tecnologica (DISIT), Università del Piemonte Orientale ‘‘A. Avogadro’’, INSTM, UdR Alessandria, Viale T. Michel 11, Alessandria 15121, Italy
| | | | | | - Gabriele Seguini
- Laboratorio MDM, IMM-CNR, Via C.
Olivetti 2, 20864 Agrate Brianza (MB), Italy
| | - Michele Perego
- Laboratorio MDM, IMM-CNR, Via C.
Olivetti 2, 20864 Agrate Brianza (MB), Italy
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33
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Singh G, Batra S, Zhang R, Yuan H, Yager KG, Cakmak M, Berry B, Karim A. Large-scale roll-to-roll fabrication of vertically oriented block copolymer thin films. ACS NANO 2013; 7:5291-9. [PMID: 23647480 DOI: 10.1021/nn401094s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Large-scale roll-to-roll (R2R) fabrication of vertically oriented nanostructures via directed self-assembly of cylindrical block copolymer (c-BCP) thin films is reported. Nearly 100% vertical orientation of cylinders in sub-100 nm c-BCP films under optimized processing via a dynamic sharp temperature gradient field termed Cold Zone Annealing-Sharp or 'CZA-S' is achieved, with successful scale-up on a prototype custom-built 70 ft × 1 ft R2R platform moving at 25 μm/s, with 9 consecutive CZA units. Static thermal annealing of identical films in a conventional vacuum oven fails to produce comparable results. As a potential for applications, we fabricate high-density silicon oxide nanodot arrays from the CZA-S annealed BCP thin film template.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gurpreet Singh
- Department of Polymer Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio 44325, USA
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34
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Berry BC, Singh G, Kim HC, Karim A. Highly Aligned Block Copolymer Thin Films by Synergistic Coupling of Static Graphoepitaxy and Dynamic Thermal Annealing Fields. ACS Macro Lett 2013; 2:346-350. [PMID: 35581764 DOI: 10.1021/mz400054y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Directed self-assembly of cylinder forming block copolymer (c-BCP) thin films via a dynamic thermal field on multidimensional symmetric graphoepitaxy channels is reported. A synergy of dynamic thermal and static boundary fields induces highly aligned c-BCP cylinders inside the channels with a power law dependence of orientational order parameter f, on trench width, f ∼ d-0.3, analogous to dual-field alignment of semiconducting metals and liquid crystals on graphoepitaxy surfaces, f' ∼ d-1. Static thermal annealing of identical films in a vacuum oven for several days fails to produce comparable results. Furthermore, we demonstrate global c-BCP cylinder alignment over mesas and trenches by tuning the synergy between the dynamic thermal field and asymmetry of the graphoepitaxy static field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian C. Berry
- Department of Chemistry, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Little Rock,
Arkansas 72204, United States
| | - Gurpreet Singh
- Department of Polymer Engineering, The University of Akron (UA), Akron, Ohio 44325, United
States
| | - Ho-Cheol Kim
- IBM Research Division, Almaden Research Center, San Jose, California 95120-6099,
United States
| | - Alamgir Karim
- Department of Polymer Engineering, The University of Akron (UA), Akron, Ohio 44325, United
States
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35
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Dessí R, Pinna M, Zvelindovsky AV. Cell Dynamics Simulations of Cylinder-Forming Diblock Copolymers in Thin Films on Topographical and Chemically Patterned Substrates. Macromolecules 2013. [DOI: 10.1021/ma400124j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Dessí
- Computational Physics
Group and Institute for Nanotechnology
and Bioengineering, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, U.K
| | - Marco Pinna
- Computational Physics
Group and Institute for Nanotechnology
and Bioengineering, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, U.K
| | - Andrei V. Zvelindovsky
- Computational Physics
Group and Institute for Nanotechnology
and Bioengineering, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, U.K
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36
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Mahadevapuram N, Strzalka J, Stein GE. Grazing-incidence transmission small angle X-ray scattering from thin films of block copolymers. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.1002/polb.23261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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37
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Byun M, Han W, Li B, Xin X, Lin Z. An Unconventional Route to Hierarchically Ordered Block Copolymers on a Gradient Patterned Surface through Controlled Evaporative Self-Assembly. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2012; 52:1122-7. [DOI: 10.1002/anie.201208421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2012] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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38
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Byun M, Han W, Li B, Xin X, Lin Z. An Unconventional Route to Hierarchically Ordered Block Copolymers on a Gradient Patterned Surface through Controlled Evaporative Self-Assembly. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2012. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201208421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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39
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Seppala JE, Lewis RL, Epps TH. Spatial and orientation control of cylindrical nanostructures in ABA triblock copolymer thin films by raster solvent vapor annealing. ACS NANO 2012; 6:9855-9862. [PMID: 23035916 DOI: 10.1021/nn303416p] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
We present a spatially resolved approach for the solvent vapor annealing (SVA) of block copolymer thin films that permits the facile and relatively rapid manipulation of nanoscale ordering and nanostructure orientation. In our method, a localized (point) SVA zone is created through the use of a vapor delivery nozzle. This point annealing zone can be rastered across the thin film using a motorized stage to control the local nanoscale structure and orientation in a cylinder-forming ABA triblock copolymer thin film. At moderate rastering speeds (∼100 μm/s) (i.e., relatively modest annealing time at a given point), the film displayed ordered cylindrical nanostructures with the cylinders oriented parallel to the substrate surface. As the rastering speed was decreased (∼10 μm/s), the morphology transformed into a surface nanostructure indicative of cylinders oriented perpendicular to the substrate surface. These perpendicular cylinder orientations also were created by rastering multiple times over the same region, and this effect was found when rastering in either retrace (overlapping) or crossed-path (orthogonal) geometries. Similar trends in nanostructure orientation and ordering were obtained from various nozzle diameters by accounting for differences in solvent flux and annealing time, illustrating the universality of this approach. Finally, we note that our "stylus-based" raster solvent vapor annealing technique allows a given point to be solvent annealed approximately 2 orders of magnitude faster than conventional "bell jar" solvent vapor annealing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan E Seppala
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
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40
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Singh G, Yager KG, Berry B, Kim HC, Karim A. Dynamic thermal field-induced gradient soft-shear for highly oriented block copolymer thin films. ACS NANO 2012; 6:10335-42. [PMID: 23106286 DOI: 10.1021/nn304266f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
As demand for smaller, more powerful, and energy-efficient devices continues, conventional patterning technologies are pushing up against fundamental limits. Block copolymers (BCPs) are considered prime candidates for a potential solution via directed self-assembly of nanostructures. We introduce here a facile directed self-assembly method to rapidly fabricate unidirectionally aligned BCP nanopatterns at large scale, on rigid or flexible template-free substrates via a thermally induced dynamic gradient soft-shear field. A localized differential thermal expansion at the interface between a BCP film and a confining polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) layer due to a dynamic thermal field imposes the gradient soft-shear field. PDMS undergoes directional expansion (along the annealing direction) in the heating zone and contracts back in the cooling zone, thus setting up a single cycle of oscillatory shear (maximum lateral shear stress ∼12 × 10(4) Pa) in the system. We successfully apply this process to create unidirectional alignment of BCP thin films over a wide range of thicknesses (nm to μm) and processing speeds (μm/s to mm/s) using both a flat and patterned PDMS layer. Grazing incidence small-angle X-ray scattering measurements show absolutely no sign of isotropic population and reveal ≥99% aligned orientational order with an angular spread Δθ(fwhm) ≤ 5° (full width at half-maximum). This method may pave the way to practical industrial use of hierarchically patterned BCP nanostructures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gurpreet Singh
- Department of Polymer Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio 44325, United States
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41
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Scalfani VF, Wiesenauer EF, Ekblad JR, Edwards JP, Gin DL, Bailey TS. Morphological Phase Behavior of Poly(RTIL)-Containing Diblock Copolymer Melts. Macromolecules 2012. [DOI: 10.1021/ma300328u] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Vincent F. Scalfani
- Department
of Chemical and Biological
Engineering, and Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523-1370, United
States
| | - Erin F. Wiesenauer
- Department of Chemistry
and
Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder,
Colorado 80309-0215,
United States
| | - John R. Ekblad
- Department
of Chemical and Biological
Engineering, and Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523-1370, United
States
| | - Julian P. Edwards
- Department of Chemistry
and
Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder,
Colorado 80309-0215,
United States
| | - Douglas L. Gin
- Department of Chemistry
and
Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder,
Colorado 80309-0215,
United States
| | - Travis S. Bailey
- Department
of Chemical and Biological
Engineering, and Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523-1370, United
States
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42
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Ramanathan M, Kilbey, II SM, Ji Q, Hill JP, Ariga K. Materials self-assembly and fabrication in confined spaces. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.1039/c2jm16629a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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43
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Gowd EB, Rama MS, Stamm M. Nanostructures Based on Self-Assembly of Block Copolymers. NANOFABRICATION 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-7091-0424-8_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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44
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Xu J, Hong SW, Gu W, Lee KY, Kuo DS, Xiao S, Russell TP. Fabrication of silicon oxide nanodots with an areal density beyond 1 teradots inch(-2). ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2011; 23:5755-5761. [PMID: 22116790 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201102964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The combination of solvent annealing, surface reconstruction, and a tone-reversal etching procedure provides an attractive approach to utilize block copolymer (BCP) lithography to fabricate highly ordered and densely packed silicon oxide nano-dots on a surface. The obtained silicon oxide nano-dots feature an areal density of 1.3 teradots inch(-2) .
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Xu
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, 01003, USA
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45
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Chen W, Wang JY, Zhao W, Li L, Wei X, Balazs AC, Matyjaszewski K, Russell TP. Photocontrol over the Disorder-to-Order Transition in Thin Films of Polystyrene-block-poly(methyl methacrylate) Block Copolymers Containing Photodimerizable Anthracene Functionality. J Am Chem Soc 2011; 133:17217-24. [DOI: 10.1021/ja2036964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Chen
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Jia-Yu Wang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
| | - Wei Zhao
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Le Li
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Xinyu Wei
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Anna C. Balazs
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, United States
| | - Krzysztof Matyjaszewski
- Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Thomas P. Russell
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
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46
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A paradigm shift in morphological architecture of PEO-b-PFOMA semi-fluorinated block copolymer thin films upon facile solvent annealing. POLYMER 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2011.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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47
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Yu H, Kobayashi T, Hu GH. Photocontrolled microphase separation in a nematic liquid–crystalline diblock copolymer. POLYMER 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2011.01.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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48
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Chen W, Wang JY, Wei X, Xu J, Balazs AC, Matyjaszewski K, Russell TP. UV-enhanced Ordering in Azobenzene-Containing Polystyrene-block-Poly(n-Butyl Methacrylate) Copolymer Blends. Macromolecules 2010. [DOI: 10.1021/ma102005s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Chen
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Jia-Yu Wang
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
| | - Xinyu Wei
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Ji Xu
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Anna C. Balazs
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Krzysztof Matyjaszewski
- Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Thomas P. Russell
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
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49
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Zhang X, Harris KD, Wu NLY, Murphy JN, Buriak JM. Fast assembly of ordered block copolymer nanostructures through microwave annealing. ACS NANO 2010; 4:7021-9. [PMID: 20964379 DOI: 10.1021/nn102387c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Block copolymer self-assembly is an innovative technology capable of patterning technologically relevant substrates with nanoscale precision for a range of applications from integrated circuit fabrication to tissue interfacing, for example. In this article, we demonstrate a microwave-based method of rapidly inducing order in block copolymer structures. The technique involves the usage of a commercial microwave reactor to anneal block copolymer films in the presence of appropriate solvents, and we explore the effect of various parameters over the polymer assembly speed and defect density. The approach is applied to the commonly used poly(styrene)-b-poly(methyl methacrylate) (PS-b-PMMA) and poly(styrene)-b-poly(2-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P2VP) families of block copolymers, and it is found that the substrate resistivity, solvent environment, and anneal temperature all critically influence the self-assembly process. For selected systems, highly ordered patterns were achieved in less than 3 min. In addition, we establish the compatibility of the technique with directed assembly by graphoepitaxy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojiang Zhang
- National Institute for Nanotechnology, National Research Council, 11421 Saskatchewan Drive, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2M9, Canada
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50
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Higuchi T, Motoyoshi K, Sugimori H, Jinnai H, Yabu H, Shimomura M. Phase Transition and Phase Transformation in Block Copolymer Nanoparticles. Macromol Rapid Commun 2010; 31:1773-8. [DOI: 10.1002/marc.201000299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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