1
|
Pula P, Leniart A, Majewski PW. Solvent-assisted self-assembly of block copolymer thin films. SOFT MATTER 2022; 18:4042-4066. [PMID: 35608282 DOI: 10.1039/d2sm00439a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Solvent-assisted block copolymer self-assembly is a compelling method for processing and advancing practical applications of these materials due to the exceptional level of the control of BCP morphology and significant acceleration of ordering kinetics. Despite substantial experimental and theoretical efforts devoted to understanding of solvent-assisted BCP film ordering, the development of a universal BCP patterning protocol remains elusive; possibly due to a multitude of factors which dictate the self-assembly scenario. The aim of this review is to aggregate both seminal reports and the latest progress in solvent-assisted directed self-assembly and to provide the reader with theoretical background, including the outline of BCP ordering thermodynamics and kinetics phenomena. We also indicate significant BCP research areas and emerging high-tech applications where solvent-assisted processing might play a dominant role.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Przemyslaw Pula
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Warsaw 02089, Poland.
| | - Arkadiusz Leniart
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Warsaw 02089, Poland.
| | - Pawel W Majewski
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Warsaw 02089, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kulkarni AA, Doerk GS. Thin film block copolymer self-assembly for nanophotonics. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2022; 33:292001. [PMID: 35358955 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/ac6315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The nanophotonic engineering of light-matter interactions has profoundly changed research behind the design and fabrication of optical materials and devices. Metasurfaces-arrays of subwavelength nanostructures that interact resonantly with electromagnetic radiation-have emerged as an integral nanophotonic platform for a new generation of ultrathin lenses, displays, polarizers and other devices. Their success hinges on advances in lithography and nanofabrication in recent decades. While existing nanolithography techniques are suitable for basic research and prototyping, issues of cost, throughput, scalability, and substrate compatibility may preclude their use for many metasurface applications. Patterning via spontaneous self-assembly of block copolymer thin films offers an enticing alternative for nanophotonic manufacturing that is rapid, inexpensive, and applicable to large areas and diverse substrates. This review discusses the advantages and disadvantages of block copolymer-based nanopatterning and highlights recent progress in their use for broadband antireflection, surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy, and other nanophotonic applications. Recent advances in diversification of self-assembled block copolymer nanopatterns and improved processes for enhanced scalability of self-assembled nanopatterning using block copolymers are also discussed, with a spotlight on directions for future research that would enable a wider array of nanophotonic applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashish A Kulkarni
- Center for Functional Nanomaterials, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973, United States of America
| | - Gregory S Doerk
- Center for Functional Nanomaterials, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Robertson M, Zhou Q, Ye C, Qiang Z. Developing Anisotropy in Self-Assembled Block Copolymers: Methods, Properties, and Applications. Macromol Rapid Commun 2021; 42:e2100300. [PMID: 34272778 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202100300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Block copolymers (BCPs) self-assembly has continually attracted interest as a means to provide bottom-up control over nanostructures. While various methods have been demonstrated for efficiently ordering BCP nanodomains, most of them do not generically afford control of nanostructural orientation. For many applications of BCPs, such as energy storage, microelectronics, and separation membranes, alignment of nanodomains is a key requirement for enabling their practical use or enhancing materials performance. This review focuses on summarizing research progress on the development of anisotropy in BCP systems, covering a variety of topics from established aligning techniques, resultant material properties, and the associated applications. Specifically, the significance of aligning nanostructures and the anisotropic properties of BCPs is discussed and highlighted by demonstrating a few promising applications. Finally, the challenges and outlook are presented to further implement aligned BCPs into practical nanotechnological applications, where exciting opportunities exist.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark Robertson
- School of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, 39406, USA
| | - Qingya Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Changhuai Ye
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Zhe Qiang
- School of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, 39406, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Leniart A, Pula P, Tsai EHR, Majewski PW. Large-Grained Cylindrical Block Copolymer Morphologies by One-Step Room-Temperature Casting. Macromolecules 2020; 53:11178-11189. [PMID: 33380751 PMCID: PMC7759006 DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.0c02026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
We report a facile method of ordering block copolymer (BCP) morphologies in which the conventional two-step casting and annealing steps are replaced by a single-step process where microphase separation and grain coarsening are seamlessly integrated within the casting protocol. This is achieved by slowing down solvent evaporation during casting by introducing a nonvolatile solvent into the BCP casting solution that effectively prolongs the duration of the grain-growth phase. We demonstrate the utility of this solvent evaporation annealing (SEA) method by producing well-ordered large-molecular-weight BCP thin films in a total processing time shorter than 3 min without resorting to any extra laboratory equipment other than a basic casting device, i.e., spin- or blade-coater. By analyzing the morphologies of the quenched samples, we identify a relatively narrow range of polymer concentration in the wet film, just above the order-disorder concentration, to be critical for obtaining large-grained morphologies. This finding is corroborated by the analysis of the grain-growth kinetics of horizontally oriented cylindrical domains where relatively large growth exponents (1/2) are observed, indicative of a more rapid defect-annihilation mechanism in the concentrated BCP solution than in thermally annealed BCP melts. Furthermore, the analysis of temperature-resolved kinetics data allows us to calculate the Arrhenius activation energy of the grain coarsening in this one-step BCP ordering process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Przemyslaw Pula
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Warsaw 02089, Poland
| | - Esther H. R. Tsai
- Center
for Functional Nanomaterials, Brookhaven
National Laboratory, Upton, New York 11973, United States
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Chuang TH, Chiang YC, Hsieh HC, Isono T, Huang CW, Borsali R, Satoh T, Chen WC. Nanostructure- and Orientation-Controlled Resistive Memory Behaviors of Carbohydrate- block-Polystyrene with Different Molecular Weights via Solvent Annealing. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2020; 12:23217-23224. [PMID: 32326698 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c04551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
We report the resistive electrical memory characteristics controlled by the self-assembled nanostructures of maltoheptaose-block-polystyrene (MH-b-PS) block copolymers, where the MH and PS blocks provide the charge-trapping and the insulating tunneling layer, respectively. A simple solvent annealing process, with various annealing conditions, were introduced for MH-b-PS thin films to achieve disordered, orientated cylinders and ordered-packed spheres morphologies. More details about the self-assembled MH-b-PS nanostructures, coupled with different volume fractions between MH and PS blocks, were investigated using atomic force microscopy and grazing-incidence small-angle X-ray scattering analyses. Moreover, various electrical memory behaviors including nonvolatile write-once-read-many-times (WORM) and Flash, and volatile dynamic-random-access-memory (DRAM) could be obtained by the same material (MH-b-PS3k). This study establishes a detailed relationship between the nanostructure of the MH-b-PS-based block copolymers and their memory behavior of the resistive memory devices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tsung-Han Chuang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Chi Chiang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Ching Hsieh
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Takuya Isono
- Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-8628, Japan
| | - Chao-Wei Huang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | | | - Toshifumi Satoh
- Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-8628, Japan
| | - Wen-Chang Chen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
- Advanced Research Center for Green Materials Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Abate AA, Vu GT, Piqueras CM, del Barrio MC, Gómez LR, Catalini G, Schmid F, Vega DA. Order–Order Phase Transitions Induced by Supercritical Carbon Dioxide in Triblock Copolymer Thin Films. Macromolecules 2019. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.9b01278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Giang Thi Vu
- Institut für Physik, Johannes Gutenberg Universität Mainz, Staudinger Weg 7, D-55099 Mainz, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | - Friederike Schmid
- Institut für Physik, Johannes Gutenberg Universität Mainz, Staudinger Weg 7, D-55099 Mainz, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Dolan JA, Korzeb K, Dehmel R, Gödel KC, Stefik M, Wiesner U, Wilkinson TD, Baumberg JJ, Wilts BD, Steiner U, Gunkel I. Controlling Self-Assembly in Gyroid Terpolymer Films By Solvent Vapor Annealing. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2018; 14:e1802401. [PMID: 30252206 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201802401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Revised: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The efficacy with which solvent vapor annealing (SVA) can control block copolymer self-assembly has so far been demonstrated primarily for the simplest class of copolymer, the linear diblock copolymer. Adding a third distinct block-thereby creating a triblock terpolymer-not only provides convenient access to complex continuous network morphologies, particularly the gyroid phases, but also opens up a route toward the fabrication of novel nanoscale devices such as optical metamaterials. Such applications, however, require the generation of well-ordered 3D continuous networks, which in turn requires a detailed understanding of the SVA process in terpolymer network morphologies. Here, in situ grazing-incidence small-angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS) is employed to study the self-assembly of a gyroid-forming triblock terpolymer during SVA, revealing the effects of several key SVA parameters on the morphology, lateral order, and, in particular, its preservation in the dried film. The robustness of the terpolymer gyroid morphology is a key requirement for successful SVA, allowing the exploration of annealing parameters which may enable the generation of films with long-range order, e.g., for optical metamaterial applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James A Dolan
- Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, J.J. Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1PZ, UK
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, Chemin des Verdiers, CH-1700, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Karolina Korzeb
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, Chemin des Verdiers, CH-1700, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Raphael Dehmel
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, Chemin des Verdiers, CH-1700, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Karl C Gödel
- Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, J.J. Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK
| | - Morgan Stefik
- Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, J.J. Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK
| | - Ulrich Wiesner
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of South Carolina, 541 Main St, Horizon I BLDG, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Timothy D Wilkinson
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Cornell University, 214 Bard Hall, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Jeremy J Baumberg
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1PZ, UK
| | - Bodo D Wilts
- Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, J.J. Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK
| | - Ullrich Steiner
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, Chemin des Verdiers, CH-1700, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Ilja Gunkel
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, Chemin des Verdiers, CH-1700, Fribourg, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Xiong S, Li D, Hur SM, Craig GSW, Arges CG, Qu XP, Nealey PF. The Solvent Distribution Effect on the Self-Assembly of Symmetric Triblock Copolymers during Solvent Vapor Annealing. Macromolecules 2018. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.8b01275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Su-Mi Hur
- School of Polymer Science and Engineering, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186 Korea
| | - Gordon S. W. Craig
- Institute for Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
| | - Christopher G. Arges
- Cain Department of Chemical Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
| | | | - Paul F. Nealey
- Institute for Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Lee S, Cheng LC, Gadelrab KR, Ntetsikas K, Moschovas D, Yager KG, Avgeropoulos A, Alexander-Katz A, Ross CA. Double-Layer Morphologies from a Silicon-Containing ABA Triblock Copolymer. ACS NANO 2018; 12:6193-6202. [PMID: 29856599 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.8b02851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
A combined experimental and self-consistent-field theoretical (SCFT) investigation of the phase behavior of poly(stryrene- b-dimethylsiloxane- b-styrene) (PS- b-PDMS- b-PS, or SDS32) thin films during solvent vapor annealing is presented. The morphology of the triblock copolymer is described as a function of the as-cast film thickness and the ratio of two different solvent vapors, toluene and heptane. SDS32 formed terraced bilayer morphologies even when the film thickness was much lower than the commensurate thickness. The morphology transitioned between bilayer cylinders, bilayer perforated lamellae, and bilayer lamellae, including mixed structures such as a perforated lamella on top of a layer of in-plane cylinders, as the heptane fraction during solvent annealing increased. SCFT modeling showed the same morphological trends as a function of the block volume fraction. In comparison with diblock PS- b-PDMS with the same molecular weight, the SDS32 offers a simple route to produce a diversity of well-ordered bilayer structures with smaller feature sizes, including the formation of bilayer perforated lamellae over a large process window.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sangho Lee
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering , Massachusetts Institute of Technology , Cambridge , Massachusetts 02139 , United States
| | - Li-Chen Cheng
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering , Massachusetts Institute of Technology , Cambridge , Massachusetts 02139 , United States
| | - Karim R Gadelrab
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering , Massachusetts Institute of Technology , Cambridge , Massachusetts 02139 , United States
| | - Konstantinos Ntetsikas
- Department of Materials Science Engineering , University of Ioannina , University Campus-Dourouti , 45110 Ioannina , Greece
| | - Dimitrios Moschovas
- Department of Materials Science Engineering , University of Ioannina , University Campus-Dourouti , 45110 Ioannina , Greece
| | - Kevin G Yager
- Center for Functional Nanomaterials , Brookhaven National Laboratory , Upton , New York 11973 , United States
| | - Apostolos Avgeropoulos
- Department of Materials Science Engineering , University of Ioannina , University Campus-Dourouti , 45110 Ioannina , Greece
| | - 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
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Kelly GM, Elman JF, Jiang Z, Strzalka J, Albert JN. Thermal transitions in semi-crystalline polymer thin films studied via spectral reflectance. POLYMER 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2018.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
|
12
|
Thermoplastic elastomer nanocomposites with controlled nanoparticles dispersion for HV insulation systems: Correlation between rheological, thermal, electrical and dielectric properties. Eur Polym J 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2017.06.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
13
|
Black CT, Forrey C, Yager KG. Thickness-dependence of block copolymer coarsening kinetics. SOFT MATTER 2017; 13:3275-3283. [PMID: 28393167 DOI: 10.1039/c7sm00212b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Despite active research, many fundamental aspects of block copolymer ordering remain unresolved. We studied the thickness-dependence of block copolymer grain coarsening kinetics, and find that thinner films order more rapidly than thicker films. Bilayer films, or monolayers with partial layers of islands, order more slowly than monolayers because of the greater amount of material that must rearrange in a coordinated fashion. Sub-monolayer films order much more rapidly than monolayers, exhibiting considerably smaller activation energies, as well as larger exponents for the time-growth power-law. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we directly study the motion of defects in these film regimes. We attribute the enhanced grain growth in sub-monolayers to the film boundaries, where defects can be spontaneously eliminated. The boundaries thus act as efficient sinks for morphological defects, pointing towards methods for engineering rapid ordering of self-assembling thin films.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charles T Black
- Center for Functional Nanomaterials, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Posselt D, Zhang J, Smilgies DM, Berezkin AV, Potemkin II, Papadakis CM. Restructuring in block copolymer thin films: In situ GISAXS investigations during solvent vapor annealing. Prog Polym Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2016.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
15
|
Morris MA, Gartner TE, Epps TH. Tuning Block Polymer Structure, Properties, and Processability for the Design of Efficient Nanostructured Materials Systems. MACROMOL CHEM PHYS 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/macp.201600513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Melody A. Morris
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering University of Delaware Newark DE 19716 USA
| | - Thomas E. Gartner
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering University of Delaware Newark DE 19716 USA
| | - Thomas H. Epps
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering University of Delaware Newark DE 19716 USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering University of Delaware Newark DE 19716 USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Shelton CK, Jones RL, Dura JA, Epps TH. Tracking Solvent Distribution in Block Polymer Thin Films during Solvent Vapor Annealing with in Situ Neutron Scattering. Macromolecules 2016. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.6b02046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cameron K. Shelton
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and ‡Department of Materials Science
and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
- Materials Science and Engineering Division and ∥NIST Center for
Neutron Research, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
| | - Ronald L. Jones
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and ‡Department of Materials Science
and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
- Materials Science and Engineering Division and ∥NIST Center for
Neutron Research, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
| | - Joseph A. Dura
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and ‡Department of Materials Science
and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
- Materials Science and Engineering Division and ∥NIST Center for
Neutron Research, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
| | - Thomas H. Epps
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and ‡Department of Materials Science
and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
- Materials Science and Engineering Division and ∥NIST Center for
Neutron Research, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Sepe A, Zhang J, Perlich J, Smilgies DM, Posselt D, Papadakis CM. Toward an equilibrium structure in lamellar diblock copolymer thin films using solvent vapor annealing – An in-situ time-resolved GISAXS study. Eur Polym J 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2015.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|
18
|
Lane AP, Maher MJ, Willson CG, Ellison CJ. Photopatterning of Block Copolymer Thin Films. ACS Macro Lett 2016; 5:460-465. [PMID: 35607242 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.6b00075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Block copolymers are potentially useful materials for large-area 2-D patterning applications due to their spontaneous self-assembly into sub-50 nm domains. However, most thin film engineering applications require patterns of prescribed size, shape, and organization. Photopatterning is a logical choice for manipulating block copolymer features since advanced lithography tools can pattern areas as small as a single block copolymer domain. By exposing either the block copolymer or a responsive interfacial surface to patterned radiation, precise control over placement, orientation, alignment, and selective development of block copolymer domains can be achieved. This Viewpoint highlights some of the recent research in photopatterning block copolymer thin films and identifies areas of future opportunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Austin P. Lane
- Department of Chemistry and ‡McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Michael J. Maher
- Department of Chemistry and ‡McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - C. Grant Willson
- Department of Chemistry and ‡McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Christopher J. Ellison
- Department of Chemistry and ‡McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Epps Iii TH, O'Reilly RK. Block copolymers: controlling nanostructure to generate functional materials - synthesis, characterization, and engineering. Chem Sci 2016; 7:1674-1689. [PMID: 30155013 PMCID: PMC6090521 DOI: 10.1039/c5sc03505h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2015] [Accepted: 12/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In this perspective, we survey recent advances in the synthesis and characterization of block copolymers, discuss several key materials opportunities enabled by block copolymers, and highlight some of the challenges that currently limit further realization of block copolymers in promising nanoscale applications. One significant challenge, especially as the complexity and functionality of designer macromolecules increases, is the requirement of multiple complementary techniques to fully characterize the resultant polymers and nanoscale materials. Thus, we highlight select characterization and theoretical methods and discuss how future advances can improve understanding of block copolymer systems. In particular, we consider the application of theoretical/simulation methods to the rationalization, and prediction, of observed experimental self-assembly phenomena. Finally, we explore several next steps for the field and emphasize some general areas of emerging research that could unlock additional opportunities for nanostructure-forming block copolymers in functional materials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas H Epps Iii
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and Department of Materials Science and Engineering , University of Delaware , Newark , Delaware 19716 , USA .
| | - Rachel K O'Reilly
- Department of Chemistry , University of Warwick , Gibbet Hill , Coventry , CV4 7AL , UK .
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
|
21
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Jackson EA, Lee Y, Radlauer MR, Hillmyer MA. Well-Ordered Nanoporous ABA Copolymer Thin Films via Solvent Vapor Annealing, Homopolymer Blending, and Selective Etching of ABAC Tetrablock Terpolymers. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2015; 7:27331-27339. [PMID: 26642426 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.5b08856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Solvent vapor annealing treatments are used to control the orientation of nanostructures produced in thin films of a poly(styrene)-block-poly(isoprene)-block-poly(styrene)-block-poly((±)-lactide) (PS-PI-PS-PLA) and its blends with PLA homopolymer. The PS-PI-PS-PLA tetrablock terpolymer, previously determined to adopt a core(PLA)-shell(PS) cylindrical morphology in the bulk, gave perpendicular alignment of PLA cylinders over a limited range of thicknesses using a mixed solvent environment of tetrahydrofuran and acetone. On the other hand, perpendicular alignment was achieved regardless of film thickness by inclusion of 5 wt % homopolymer PLA in the PS-PI-PS-PLA tetrablock. Tapping mode atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to visualize film surface morphologies. Subsequent reactive ion etching (RIE) and basic hydrolysis of PLA produced 15 nm pores in a PS-PI-PS triblock thin film matrix. Nanoporosity was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images and the vertical continuity of pores was confirmed by cross-sectional SEM analysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Jackson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455-0431, United States
| | - Youngmin Lee
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455-0431, United States
| | - Madalyn R Radlauer
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455-0431, United States
| | - Marc A Hillmyer
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455-0431, United States
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Saito I, Miyazaki T, Yamamoto K. Depth-Resolved Structure Analysis of Cylindrical Microdomain in Block Copolymer Thin Film by Grazing-Incidence Small-Angle X-ray Scattering Utilizing Low-Energy X-rays. Macromolecules 2015. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.5b01883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Itsuki Saito
- Department
of Materials Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Gokiso-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya 466-8555, Japan
| | - Tsukasa Miyazaki
- Nitto Denko Corporation, 1-1-2, Shimohozumi,
Ibaraki, Osaka 567-8680, Japan
| | - Katsuhiro Yamamoto
- Department
of Materials Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Gokiso-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya 466-8555, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Majewski PW, Yager KG. Latent Alignment in Pathway-Dependent Ordering of Block Copolymer Thin Films. NANO LETTERS 2015; 15:5221-8. [PMID: 26161969 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.5b01463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Block copolymers spontaneously form well-defined nanoscale morphologies during thermal annealing. Yet, the structures one obtains can be influenced by nonequilibrium effects, including processing history or pathway-dependent assembly. Here, we explore various pathways for ordering of block copolymer thin films, using oven-annealing, as well as newly disclosed methods for rapid photothermal annealing and photothermal shearing. We report the discovery of an efficient pathway for ordering self-assembled films: ultrarapid shearing of as-cast films induces "latent alignment" in the disordered morphology. Subsequent thermal processing can then develop this directly into a uniaxially aligned morphology with low defect density. This deeper understanding of pathway-dependence may have broad implications in self-assembly.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
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
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Chavis MA, Smilgies DM, Wiesner UB, Ober CK. Widely Tunable Morphologies in Block Copolymer Thin Films Through Solvent Vapor Annealing Using Mixtures of Selective Solvents. ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS 2015; 25:3057-3065. [PMID: 26819574 PMCID: PMC4724432 DOI: 10.1002/adfm.201404053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Thin films of block copolymers are extremely attractive for nanofabrication because of their ability to form uniform and periodic nanoscale structures by microphase separation. One shortcoming of this approach is that to date the design of a desired equilibrium structure requires synthesis of a block copolymer de novo within the corresponding volume ratio of the blocks. In this work, we investigated solvent vapor annealing in supported thin films of poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate)-block-poly(methyl methacrylate) [PHEMA-b-PMMA] by means of grazing incidence small angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS). A spin-coated thin film of lamellar block copolymer was solvent vapor annealed to induce microphase separation and improve the long-range order of the self-assembled pattern. Annealing in a mixture of solvent vapors using a controlled volume ratio of solvents (methanol, MeOH, and tetrahydrofuran, THF), which are chosen to be preferential for each block, enabled selective formation of ordered lamellae, gyroid, hexagonal or spherical morphologies from a single block copolymer with a fixed volume fraction. The selected microstructure was then kinetically trapped in the dry film by rapid drying. To our knowledge, this paper describes the first reported case where in-situ methods are used to study the transition of block copolymer films from one initial disordered morphology to four different ordered morphologies, covering much of the theoretical diblock copolymer phase diagram.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle A. Chavis
- Department Of Materials Science and Engineering 214 Bard Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 USA
| | - Detlef-M. Smilgies
- Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source 161 Synchrotron Drive, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 USA
| | - Ulrich B. Wiesner
- Department Of Materials Science and Engineering 214 Bard Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 USA
| | - Christopher K. Ober
- Department Of Materials Science and Engineering 214 Bard Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Luo M, Scott DM, Epps TH. Writing Highly Ordered Macroscopic Patterns in Cylindrical Block Polymer Thin Films via Raster Solvent Vapor Annealing and Soft Shear. ACS Macro Lett 2015; 4:516-520. [PMID: 35596286 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.5b00126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Block polymers (BPs) potentially can be used to template large arrays of nanopatterns for advanced nanotechnologies. However, the practical utilization of directed BP self-assembly typically requires guide patterns of relatively small size scales. In this work, the macroscopic alignment of block polymer cylinders on a template-free substrate is achieved through raster solvent vapor annealing combined with soft shear (RSVA-SS). Spatial control over nanoscale structures is realized by using a solvent vapor delivery nozzle, poly(dimethylsiloxane) shearing pad, and motorized stage. Complex patterns including dashes, crossed lines, and curves are demonstrated, along with the ability for large area alignment and scale-up for industry applications. The unique ability to directly write macroscopic patterns with microscopically aligned BP nanostructures will open new avenues of applied research in nanotechnology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ming Luo
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular
Engineering and ‡Department of Materials Science and
Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| | - Douglas M. Scott
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular
Engineering and ‡Department of Materials Science and
Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| | - Thomas H. Epps
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular
Engineering and ‡Department of Materials Science and
Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanqiong Hu
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Singer JP, Gotrik KW, Lee JH, Kooi SE, Ross CA, Thomas EL. Alignment and reordering of a block copolymer by solvent-enhanced thermal laser direct write. POLYMER 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2014.02.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
|
31
|
Qiang Z, Zhang L, Stein GE, Cavicchi KA, Vogt BD. Unidirectional Alignment of Block Copolymer Films Induced by Expansion of a Permeable Elastomer during Solvent Vapor Annealing. Macromolecules 2014. [DOI: 10.1021/ma402131j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Qiang
- Department
of Polymer Engineering, University of Akron, Akron, Ohio 44325, United States
| | - Longhe Zhang
- Department
of Polymer Engineering, University of Akron, Akron, Ohio 44325, United States
| | - Gila E. Stein
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204, United States
| | - Kevin A. Cavicchi
- Department
of Polymer Engineering, University of Akron, Akron, Ohio 44325, United States
| | - Bryan D. Vogt
- Department
of Polymer Engineering, University of Akron, Akron, Ohio 44325, United States
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Gu X, Gunkel I, Hexemer A, Gu W, Russell TP. An in situ grazing incidence X-ray scattering study of block copolymer thin films during solvent vapor annealing. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2014; 26:273-281. [PMID: 24282077 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201302562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2013] [Revised: 08/06/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
In situ grazing-incidence small-angle X-ray scattering experiments on thin films of block copolymers during annealing in neutral solvent vapors are reported. By removing the solvent in a controlled manner, the period of the microphase separated morphology is found to increase with increasing block copolymer concentration in a power law manner with an exponent ∼ 2/3. By venting the systems at different rates during the solvent removal process, kinetically arresting the system, the period of the microphase separated morphology in the dried film can be varied.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodan Gu
- Polymer Science and Engineering Department, University of Massachusetts at Amherst, 120 Governors Drive, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Lee JH, Koh CY, Singer JP, Jeon SJ, Maldovan M, Stein O, Thomas EL. 25th anniversary article: ordered polymer structures for the engineering of photons and phonons. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2014; 26:532-69. [PMID: 24338738 PMCID: PMC4227607 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201303456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2013] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The engineering of optical and acoustic material functionalities via construction of ordered local and global architectures on various length scales commensurate with and well below the characteristic length scales of photons and phonons in the material is an indispensable and powerful means to develop novel materials. In the current mature status of photonics, polymers hold a pivotal role in various application areas such as light-emission, sensing, energy, and displays, with exclusive advantages despite their relatively low dielectric constants. Moreover, in the nascent field of phononics, polymers are expected to be a superior material platform due to the ability for readily fabricated complex polymer structures possessing a wide range of mechanical behaviors, complete phononic bandgaps, and resonant architectures. In this review, polymer-centric photonic and phononic crystals and metamaterials are highlighted, and basic concepts, fabrication techniques, selected functional polymers, applications, and emerging ideas are introduced.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Hwang Lee
- Department of Materials Science and Nanoengineering Rice UniversityHouston, TX, 77005, USA E-mail: ;
| | | | - Jonathan P Singer
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, MITCambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Seog-Jin Jeon
- Department of Materials Science and Nanoengineering Rice UniversityHouston, TX, 77005, USA E-mail: ;
| | - Martin Maldovan
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, MITCambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Ori Stein
- Department of Materials Science and Nanoengineering Rice UniversityHouston, TX, 77005, USA E-mail: ;
| | - Edwin L Thomas
- Department of Materials Science and Nanoengineering Rice UniversityHouston, TX, 77005, USA E-mail: ;
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Luo M, Epps TH. Directed Block Copolymer Thin Film Self-Assembly: Emerging Trends in Nanopattern Fabrication. Macromolecules 2013. [DOI: 10.1021/ma401112y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 209] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ming Luo
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| | - Thomas H. Epps
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Mastroianni SE, Epps TH. Interfacial manipulations: controlling nanoscale assembly in bulk, thin film, and solution block copolymer systems. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2013; 29:3864-3878. [PMID: 23406541 DOI: 10.1021/la304800t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Nanostructured soft materials from self-assembled block copolymers (BCP)s and polymer blends can enable the reliable, high-throughput, and cost-effective generation of nanoscale structural motifs for many emerging technologies. Our research group has studied the phase behavior of BCPs in bulk, thin film, and solution environments with a particular focus on using interfacial manipulations to control self-assembly and to access a vast array of nanoscale morphologies and orientations. These interfacial manipulations can be synthetic alterations that are directly incorporated into the BCP chain to modify polymer-polymer interactions, post-polymerization and non-synthetic modifications that affect block interactions, or changes to the polymer specimen's external surroundings to control self-assembly in a confining environment. Herein, we describe methods that we have employed to manipulate BCP self-assembly for various application targets, and we discuss the key effects of such manipulations on the resulting nanoscale morphologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Mastroianni
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Luo M, Seppala JE, Albert JNL, Lewis RL, Mahadevapuram N, Stein GE, Epps TH. Manipulating Nanoscale Morphologies in Cylinder-Forming Poly(styrene-b-isoprene-b-styrene) Thin Films Using Film Thickness and Substrate Surface Chemistry Gradients. Macromolecules 2013. [DOI: 10.1021/ma302410q] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ming Luo
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| | - Jonathan E. Seppala
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| | - Julie N. L. Albert
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| | - Ronald L. Lewis
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| | - Nikhila Mahadevapuram
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular
Engineering, University of Houston, Houston,
Texas 77204, United States
| | - Gila E. Stein
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular
Engineering, University of Houston, Houston,
Texas 77204, United States
| | - Thomas H. Epps
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| |
Collapse
|