Marangoni Instability Driven Surface Relief Grating in an Azobenzene-Containing Polymer Film

Assembly-Induced Dynamic Structural Color in a Host-Guest System for Time-Dependent Anticounterfeiting and Double-Lock Encryption

Manipulation of periodic micro/nanostructures in polymer film is of great importance for academics and industrial applications in anticounterfeiting. However, with the increasing demand on information security, materials with time-dependent features are urgently required, especially the material where the same information can appear more than once on the time scale. Here, one concise strategy to realize time-dependent anticounterfeiting and "double-lock" information encryption based on a host-guest system is proposed, with one photoresponsive azopolymer as the host and one liquid-crystalline molecule as the guest. The system exhibits a tunable mass transport in pre-designed periodic micro/nanostructures by tailoring the process of cis-to-trans recovery of azo groups and assembly of mesogenic trans-isomers, resulting in a dynamic structural color in film. Taking advantage of this extraordinary feature, time-dependent dynamic anticounterfeiting has been achieved. More importantly, the time of each state's appearance in the whole process can be modulated by changing the host-guest ratio. Combining the manipulatable process of mass transport with the unique decoding method, the stored information in film can be decrypted correctly. This work provides an unprecedented dynamic approach for advanced anticounterfeiting technology with a higher level of security and high-end applications in information encryption.

Steerable mass transport in a photoresponsive system for advanced anticounterfeiting

Numerous anticounterfeiting platforms using photoresponsive materials have been designed to improve information security, enabling applications in anticounterfeiting technology. However, fabricating sophisticated micro/nanostructures using bidirectional mass transport to achieve advanced anticounterfeiting remains challenging. Here, we propose one strategy to achieve steerable mass transport in a photoresponsive system with the assistance of solvent vapor at room temperature. Upon optimizing the host-guest ratio and the width of photoisomerized areas, wettability gradient is acquired just photo-patterning once, then bidirectional mass transport is realized due to the competition of mass transport induced by surface energy gradient of the material itself and flow of the solvent on the film surface with wettability gradient. Taking advantage of the interaction between solvent and film surface with wettability gradient, this bidirectional polymer flow has been successfully applied in multi-mode anticounterfeiting. This work paves a promising avenue toward high-level information storage in soft materials, demonstrating the potential applications in anticounterfeiting.

Manipulation of photoresponsive liquid-crystalline polymers and their applications: from nanoscale to macroscale

We summarize the molecular design of photoresponsive liquid-crystalline polymers, manipulation at multiple scales and various applications based on their intrinsic properties, providing an opportunity for future development in this field.

Surface Morphing of Azopolymers toward Advanced Anticounterfeiting Enabled by a Two-Step Method: Light Writing and Then Reading in Liquid

Surface morphing of organic materials is necessary for advances in semiconductor processing, optical gratings, anticounterfeiting etc., but it is still challenging, especially for its fundamental explanation and further applications like advanced anticounterfeiting. Here, we report one strategy to acquire surface deformation of the liquid-crystalline azopolymer film using a two-step method: selective photoisomerization of azopolymers and then solvent development. In the first step, surface tension of the polymer film can be patterned by the selective photoisomerization of azopolymers, and then in the second step, the flowing solvent drags the underlying polymer to transport, leading to the formation of surface deformation. Interestingly, the direction of mass transport is opposite to the traditional Marangoni flow, and the principle of solvents' choice is the matching of surface tensions between the azopolymer and the solvent. The two-step method shows characteristics of efficient surface morphing, which could be applied in advanced anticounterfeiting by the way of photomask-assistant information writing or microscale direct writing, and then reading in a specific liquid environment. This paves a new way for understanding the mechanism of mass transport toward numerous unprecedented applications using various photoresponsive materials.

Photoinduced movement: how photoirradiation induced the movements of matter

Pioneered by the success on active transport of ions across membranes in 1980 using the regulation of the binding properties of crown ethers with covalently linked photoisomerizable units, extensive studies on the movements by using varied interactions between moving objects and environments have been reported. Photoinduced movements of various objects ranging from molecules, polymers to microscopic particles were discussed from the aspects of the driving for the movements, materials design to achieve the movements and systems design to see and to utilize the movements are summarized in this review.

Light-Induced Reversible Hierarchical Self-Assembly of Amphiphilic Diblock Copolymers into Microscopic Vesicles with Tunable Optical and Nanocarrier Properties

In contrast to the conventional hierarchical self-assembly process, effective methods to enable reversible hierarchical self-assembly of block copolymers are comparatively few and limited in scope. Herein, we report, for the first time, a simple yet robust strategy for light-induced reversible hierarchical self-assembly of an amphiphilic diblock copolymer, poly(4-vinylpyridine)-block-poly[6-[4-(4-butyloxyphenylazo)phenoxy]hexyl methacrylate] (denoted P4VP-b-PAzoMA). The hierarchical structures are constructed via a two-step self-assembly process (first-level reverse micelles, second-level compound micelles, and rearrangement into micrometer-sized vesicles) driven by use of solvent. Intriguingly, because of reversible photoinduced trans-to-cis isomerization of azobenzene moieties in PAzoMA, the vesicles could disassemble into subunits upon UV light and then recover the nearly identical vesicular morphology upon visible light. Such a reversible hierarchical self-assembly process is accompanied by reversible fluorescence, encapsulation, and controlled release of dyes and can be used as a template for the synthesis of nanoparticles. Clearly, the ability to render the light-enabled reversible hierarchical self-assembly provides a unique platform for smart delivery vehicles and templates for nanomaterials.

Photoisomerization-induced patterning of ion-pairing materials based on anionic azobenzene and its complex with a fluorescent π-electronic system

Large mass transport driven by the difference in the photoisomerization-induced surface tension was demonstrated in ion pairs of anionic azobenzene and a cationic polymer. This material motion enabled fluorescence patterning using a trace amount of photoisomerized azobenzenes in complex form with a π-electronic system.

Plasmon-driven light harvesting in poly(vinyl alcohol) films for precise surface topography modulation

Efficient light harvesting is essential for advanced photonic devices. Complex micro/nano surface relief structures can be produced via light-triggered mechanical movement, but limited in organic active molecular units. In this Letter, we propose to embed noble-metal particles into light-inactive polyvinyl alcohol matrix to construct a light harvesting system driven by plasmon for inscription of surface relief gratings. Ultra-small-sized silver nuclei are generated in the polymer by pre-thermal treatment, acting as an accelerator for the subsequent photoinduced particle growth, hydrogen group cleavage, and matrix softening. Based on such properties, a complex plasmonic array carrying ultra-high-density information is achieved with peristrophic multiplexing holography. This Letter paves a bright way to realize data storage, information encryption, and optical microcavity.

When a pH-triggered nanopatterned shape transition drives the wettability of a hierarchically self-organized film: A bio-inspired effect of "sea Anemone"

HYPOTHESIS

Hierarchically structured surfaces including sensitive materials presents the advantage to exalt wettability variation due to the combination of micro structure effect directed by Cassie Baxter and/or Wenzel behaviour which is tuned by the surface energy variation of sensitive polymer films.

EXPERIMENTS

Herein is reported the synthesis and the hierarchical structuration of a pH sensitive diblock copolymer P(S-stat-MMA)-b-P4VP with a pH-sensitive Poly 4-vinylpyridine P4VP block. Applying the Breath Figure method casting (minute time scale process), this diblock copolymer allows to obtain a micro porous honeycomb film while a wall nano-structuration due to self-assembly of diblock copolymer is observed.

FINDINGS

The pH-triggered wettability is studied and correlated with the morphology evolution of P4VP nano-domains investigated by AFM in a liquid cell. Indeed, a nano-dots to nano-rings/donuts transition is highlighted when decreasing the pH below the pKa of the P4VP. This nano "sea Anemone" shape transition induces the macroscopic changes of the wettability of a hierarchically self-organized honeycomb film, explained by the protonation of P4VP chains inducing electrostatic repulsion and then hydrophilic surface.

Photo-triggered large mass transport driven only by a photoresponsive surface skin layer

Since the discovery 25 years ago, many investigations have reported light-induced macroscopic mass migration of azobenzene-containing polymer films. Various mechanisms have been proposed to account for these motions. This study explores light-inert side chain liquid crystalline polymer (SCLCP) films with a photoresponsive polymer only at the free surface and reports the key effects of the topmost surface to generate surface relief gratings (SRGs) for SCLCP films. The top-coating with an azobenzene-containing SCLCP is achieved by the Langmuir-Schaefer (LS) method or surface segregation. A negligible amount of the photoresponsive skin layer can induce large SRGs upon patterned UV light irradiation. Conversely, the motion of the SRG-forming azobenzene SCLCP is impeded by the existence of a LS monolayer of the octadecyl side chain polymer on the top. These results are well understood by considering the Marangoni flow driven by the surface tension instability. This approach should pave the way toward in-situ inscription of the surface topography for light-inert materials and eliminate the strong light absorption of azobenzene, which is a drawback in optical device applications.

Laser-induced formation of "craters" and "hills" in azobenzene-containing polymethacrylate films

Functional organic polymer materials with an ability to change their surface topography in response to external contactless stimuli, like light irradiation, have attracted considerable attention. This work is devoted to the study of contactless control of the surface topography and the formation of the surface features in the amorphousized and liquid crystalline films of two azobenzene-containing polymers. The investigated polymers are side-chain polymethacrylates containing azobenzene chromophores with two lateral methyl substituents in ortho-positions and differing in the length of flexible spacer with six and ten methylene units. Two lateral methyl substituents at the azobenzene chromophore ensure high photoresponses of these polymeric samples in the whole visible spectral range. Irradiation of the polymethacrylate films by focused polarized light of green (532 nm) and red (633 nm) lasers induces a specific photodeformation of the film surface. In the case of the green light formation of circular "craters" with anisotropic borders was found, whereas for the red light highly asymmetric "hills" were observed. The possible mechanisms of the surface topography formation and their features are discussed.

Thermocapillary Marangoni Flows in Azopolymers

It is well known that light-induced multiple trans-cis-trans photoisomerizations of azobenzene derivatives attached to various matrices (polymeric, liquid crystalline polymers) result in polymer mass movement leading to generation of surface reliefs. The reliefs can be produced at small as well as at large light intensities. When linearly polarized light is used in the process, directional photo-induced molecular orientation of the azo molecules occurs, which leads to the generation of optical anisotropy in the system, providing that thermal effects are negligible. On the other hand, large reliefs are observed at relatively strong laser intensities when the optofluidization process is particularly effective. In this article, we describe the competitive thermocapillary Marangoni effect of polymer mass motion. We experimentally prove that the Marangoni effect occurs simultaneously with the optofluidization process. It destroys the orientation of the azopolymer molecules and results in cancelation of the photo-induced birefringence. Our experimental observations of polymer surface topography with atomic force microscopy are supported by suitable modelings.

Merging versatile polymer chemistry with multifunctional nanoparticles: an overview of crosslinkable aromatic polyester matrix nanocomposites

The current trend in the global advanced material market is expeditiously shifting towards more lightweight, multifunctional configurations, considering very recent developments in electrical aircraft, biomedical devices, and autonomous automobiles. Hence, the development of novel polymer nanocomposite materials is critical to advancing the current state-of-the-art of structural material technologies to address the pressing performance demands. Aiming at expanding the existing material design space, we have investigated crosslinkable aromatic polyester matrix nanocomposites. Aromatic polyesters, in the thermosetting form, are a prospective high-performance/high-temperature polymer technology, which is on a par with conventional epoxy-derivative resins and high-performance engineering thermoplastics in the range of their potential applications. The aromatic matrix-based thermosetting nanocomposites manifest greatly enhanced physical properties enabled by a chemistry-favored robust interfacial covalent coupling mechanism developed during the in situ polymerization reaction with various nanofiller particle configurations. Here, we provide a summary review of our recent efforts in developing this novel polymer nanocomposite material system. We highlight the chemical strategy, fabrication approach, and processing techniques developed to obtain various nanocomposite representations for structural, electrical, optical, biomedical, and tribological applications. The unique characteristic features emerging in the nanocomposite morphologies, along with their physicochemical effects on the multifunctional macroscale properties, are demonstrated. This unique matrix configuration introduces superior performance elements to polymer nanocomposite applications towards designing advanced composite materials.

Design of Collective Motions from Synthetic Molecular Switches, Rotors, and Motors

Precise control over molecular movement is of fundamental and practical importance in physics, biology, and chemistry. At nanoscale, the peculiar functioning principles and the synthesis of individual molecular actuators and machines has been the subject of intense investigations and debates over the past 60 years. In this review, we focus on the design of collective motions that are achieved by integrating, in space and time, several or many of these individual mechanical units together. In particular, we provide an in-depth look at the intermolecular couplings used to physically connect a number of artificial mechanically active molecular units such as photochromic molecular switches, nanomachines based on mechanical bonds, molecular rotors, and light-powered rotary motors. We highlight the various functioning principles that can lead to their collective motion at various length scales. We also emphasize how their synchronized, or desynchronized, mechanical behavior can lead to emerging functional properties and to their implementation into new active devices and materials.

Photoreversible Order-Disorder Transition in an Ionic Liquid Solvated Block Polymer

The structure of a solution of poly(methyl methacrylate)-block-poly(benzyl methacrylate-stat-(4-phenylazophenyl methacrylate)) in the ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methyl imidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonylimide) can be controlled with light. We explored the phase behavior of this block polymer at a concentration of 30 wt % as a function of temperature. Remarkably, this solution shows ordering into hexagonally closed packed spheres (HCP) upon heating under visible light, as confirmed by small-angle X-ray scattering. Small amplitude oscillatory shear rheology was used to demonstrate that the system could readily be converted between HCP and disorder by switching between visible and UV light wavelengths at 100 °C. This switching was cycled six times, without any noticeable change in the ordered or disordered state. The dependence on illuminating wavelength arises from the changes in polarity of the azobenzene moiety, which modulates its solubility in this ionic liquid to a significant extent. This is the first example of reversible light-triggered ordering of a "coil-coil" block polymer, a phenomenon that has been previously observed only in liquid crystalline systems.

Application of Plasmon-Induced Lithography for Creation of a Residual-Free Pattern and Simple Surface Modifications

Here, we propose a plasmon-induced redistribution of a thin polymer layer as a unique way for a residual layer-free lithographic approach. In particular, we demonstrate an ultrafast area-selective fabrication method using a low-intensity visible laser irradiation to direct the polymer mass flow, under the plasmon-active substrates. Plasmon-supported substrates were created by thermal annealing of Ag thin films and covered by thin polystyrene layers. Then, laser beam writing (LBW) was applied to introduce a surface tension gradient through the local plasmon heating. As a result, polystyrene was completely removed from the irradiated place, without any residual layer. The proposed approach does not require any additional development steps, such as solvent or plasma treatment. To demonstrate the advantages of the proposed technique, we implemented the LBW-patterned structures for further spatially selective surface functionalization, including the metal deposition, spontaneous thiol grafting, and electrochemical deposition of ordered polypyrrole array.

Synthesis of functionalized diazocines for application as building blocks in photo- and mechanoresponsive materials

Seven symmetrically 3,3'-substituted diazocines were synthesized. Functional groups include alcohol, azide, amine and vinyl groups, which are suitable for polymer synthesis. Upon irradiation at 385 and 530 nm the diazocines perform a reversible, pincer-type movement switching the 3,3'-distance between 6.1 Å (cis, stable isomer) and 8.2 Å (trans, metastable isomer). Key reactions in the synthesis are an oxidative C-C coupling of 2-nitrotoluenes (75-82% yield) and a reductive ring closure to form the diazocines (56-60% yield). The cyclization of the dinitro compound to the azo compound was improved in yield and reproducibility, by over-reduction to the hydrazine and reoxidation to the azo unit. In contrast to 3,3'- and 4,4'-diaminodiazocine, which have been implemented in macromolecules for conformation switching, our compounds exhibit improved photophysical properties (photostationary states, separation of absorption bands in the cis and trans configuration). Hence they are promising candidates as molecular switches in photo and mechanoresponsive macromolecules and other smart materials.

Photoinitiated Marangoni flow morphing in a liquid crystalline polymer film directed by super-inkjet printing patterns

Slight contaminations existing in a material lead to substantial defects in applied paint. Herein, we propose a strategy to convert this nuisance to a technologically useful process by using an azobenzene-containing side chain liquid crystalline (SCLCP) polymer. This method allows for a developer-free phototriggered surface fabrication. The mass migration is initiated by UV-light irradiation and directed by super-inkjet printed patterns using another polymer on the SCLCP film surface. UV irradiation results in a liquid crystal-to-isotropic phase transition, and this phase change immediately initiates a mass migration to form crater or trench structures due to the surface tension instability known as Marangoni flow. The transferred volume of the film reaches approximately 440-fold that of the polymer ink, and therefore, the printed ink pattern acts as a latent image towards the amplification of surface morphing. This printing-aided photoprocess for surface inscription is expected to provide a new platform of polymer microfabrication.

Monitoring Photochemical Reactions Using Marangoni Flows

We evaluated the sensitivity and time resolution of a technique for photochemical reaction monitoring based on the interferometric detection of the deformation of liquid films. The reaction products change the local surface tension and induce Marangoni flow in the liquid film. As a model system, we consider the irradiation of the aliphatic hydrocarbon squalane with broadband deep-UV light. We developed a numerical model that quantitatively reproduces the flow patterns observed in the experiments. Moreover, we present self-similarity solutions that elucidate the mechanisms governing different stages of the dynamics and their parametric dependence. Surface tension changes as small as Δγ = 10-6 N/m can be detected, and time resolutions of <1 s can be achieved.

Self-assembly and multi-stimuli responsive behavior of PAA-b-PAzoMA-b-PNIPAM triblock copolymers

A PAA-b-PAzoMA-b-PNIPAM triblock copolymer containing pH, photo and temperature sensitive groups could self-assemble into spherical micelles or vesicles with multi-stimuli responsiveness.