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Kang H, Cheon M, Lee CH, Kim TH, Hong YT, Nam SY, Park CH. Mesoscale Simulation Based on the Dynamic Mean-Field Density Functional Method on Block-Copolymeric Ionomers for Polymer Electrolyte Membranes. MEMBRANES 2023; 13:258. [PMID: 36984645 PMCID: PMC10054894 DOI: 10.3390/membranes13030258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Block copolymers generally have peculiar morphological characteristics, such as strong phase separation. They have been actively applied to polymer electrolyte membranes for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) to obtain well-defined hydrophilic regions and water channels as a proton pathway. Although molecular simulation tools are advantageous to investigate the mechanism of water channel formation based on the chemical structure and property relationships, classical molecular dynamics simulation has limitations regarding the model size and time scale, and these issues need to be addressed. In this study, we investigated the morphology of sulfonated block copolymers synthesized for PEM applications using a mesoscale simulation based on the dynamic mean-field density functional method, widely applied to investigate macroscopic systems such as polymer blends, micelles, and multi-block/grafting copolymers. Despite the similar solubility parameters of the monomers in our block-copolymer models, very different morphologies in our 3D mesoscale models were obtained. The model with sulfonated monomers, in which the number of sulfonic acid groups is twice that of the other model, showed better phase separation and water channel formation, despite the short length of its hydrophilic block. In conclusion, this unexpected behavior indicates that the role of water molecules is important in making PEM mesoscale models well-equilibrated in the mesoscale simulation, which results in the strong phase separation between hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions and the ensuing well-defined water channel. PEM synthesis supports the conclusion that using the sulfonated monomers with a high sulfonation degree (32.5 mS/cm) will be more effective than using the long hydrophilic block with a low sulfonation degree (25.2 mS/cm).
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoseong Kang
- Department of Energy Engineering, Future Convergence Technology Research Institute, Gyeongsang National University (GNU), Jinju 52725, Republic of Korea
| | - Muyeong Cheon
- Department of Energy Engineering, Future Convergence Technology Research Institute, Gyeongsang National University (GNU), Jinju 52725, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Hyun Lee
- Energy Engineering Department, College of Engineering, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Ho Kim
- Center for Membranes, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Taik Hong
- Center for Membranes, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Yong Nam
- Department of Materials Engineering and Convergence Technology, Gyeongsang National University (GNU), Jinju 52725, Republic of Korea
| | - Chi Hoon Park
- Department of Energy Engineering, Future Convergence Technology Research Institute, Gyeongsang National University (GNU), Jinju 52725, Republic of Korea
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2
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Double stimuli-responsive isoporous block copolymer membranes upon phase separation strategies. J Memb Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2022.121277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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3
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Ji W, Huang Z, Kentzinger E, Rücker U, Brückel T, Xiao Y. Nanoparticle-induced morphological transformation in block copolymer-based nanocomposites. NANOSCALE 2022; 14:8766-8775. [PMID: 35674291 DOI: 10.1039/d2nr01625g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
By controlling the chemical composition and the spatial organization of nanoparticles, hybrid nanocomposites incorporating ordered arrangements of nanoparticles could be endowed with exotic physical and chemical properties to fulfill demands in advanced electronics or energy-harvesting devices. However, a simple method to fabricate hybrid nanocomposites with precise control of nanoparticle distribution is still challenging. We demonstrate that block copolymer-based nanocomposites containing well-ordered nanoparticles with various morphologies can be readily obtained by adjusting the nanoparticle concentration. Moreover, the structural evolution of nanocomposite thin films as a function of nanoparticle loading is unveiled using grazing-incidence transmission small-angle X-ray scattering and atomic force microscopy. The morphological transformation proceeds through a phase transition from perforated lamellae to in-plane cylinder layout, followed by structural changes. The successful achievement of a variety of morphologies represents an effective and straightforward approach to producing functional hybrid nanocomposites for potential applications in various functional devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhai Ji
- School of Advanced Materials, Peking University, Shenzhen Graduate School, 518055 Shenzhen, China.
- Jülich Centre for Neutron Science JCNS and Peter Grünberg Institut PGI, JARA-FIT, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Zhongyuan Huang
- School of Advanced Materials, Peking University, Shenzhen Graduate School, 518055 Shenzhen, China.
| | - Emmanuel Kentzinger
- Jülich Centre for Neutron Science JCNS and Peter Grünberg Institut PGI, JARA-FIT, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Ulrich Rücker
- Jülich Centre for Neutron Science JCNS and Peter Grünberg Institut PGI, JARA-FIT, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Thomas Brückel
- Jülich Centre for Neutron Science JCNS and Peter Grünberg Institut PGI, JARA-FIT, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Yinguo Xiao
- School of Advanced Materials, Peking University, Shenzhen Graduate School, 518055 Shenzhen, China.
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4
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Nguyen D, Tao L, Li Y. Integration of Machine Learning and Coarse-Grained Molecular Simulations for Polymer Materials: Physical Understandings and Molecular Design. Front Chem 2022; 9:820417. [PMID: 35141207 PMCID: PMC8819075 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.820417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the synthesis of monomer sequence-defined polymers has expanded into broad-spectrum applications in biomedical, chemical, and materials science fields. Pursuing the characterization and inverse design of these polymer systems requires our fundamental understanding not only at the individual monomer level, but also considering the chain scales, such as polymer configuration, self-assembly, and phase separation. However, our accessibility to this field is still rudimentary due to the limitations of traditional design approaches, the complexity of chemical space along with the burdened cost and time issues that prevent us from unveiling the underlying monomer sequence-structure-property relationships. Fortunately, thanks to the recent advancements in molecular dynamics simulations and machine learning (ML) algorithms, the bottlenecks in the tasks of establishing the structure-function correlation of the polymer chains can be overcome. In this review, we will discuss the applications of the integration between ML techniques and coarse-grained molecular dynamics (CGMD) simulations to solve the current issues in polymer science at the chain level. In particular, we focus on the case studies in three important topics—polymeric configuration characterization, feed-forward property prediction, and inverse design—in which CGMD simulations are leveraged to generate training datasets to develop ML-based surrogate models for specific polymer systems and designs. By doing so, this computational hybridization allows us to well establish the monomer sequence-functional behavior relationship of the polymers as well as guide us toward the best polymer chain candidates for the inverse design in undiscovered chemical space with reasonable computational cost and time. Even though there are still limitations and challenges ahead in this field, we finally conclude that this CGMD/ML integration is very promising, not only in the attempt of bridging the monomeric and macroscopic characterizations of polymer materials, but also enabling further tailored designs for sequence-specific polymers with superior properties in many practical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danh Nguyen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Mansfield, CT, United States
| | - Lei Tao
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Mansfield, CT, United States
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Mansfield, CT, United States
- Polymer Program, Institute of Materials Science, University of Connecticut, Mansfield, CT, United States
- *Correspondence: Ying Li,
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5
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Hong JW, Chang JH, Chang ICY, Sun YS. Phase behavior in thin films of weakly segregated block copolymer/homopolymer blends. SOFT MATTER 2021; 17:9189-9197. [PMID: 34586138 DOI: 10.1039/d1sm01005k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
We have demonstrated the phase behavior of substrate-supported films of a symmetric weakly segregated polystyrene-block-poly (methyl methacrylate), P(S-b-MMA), block copolymer and its blends with homopolymer polystyrene (PS) at different compositions. Upon increasing the content of added PS in the blends, lamellae (L), perforated layers (PL), double gyroid (DG) and cylinders (C) are obtained in sequence for films. Among these nanodomains, PL and DG only exist in a narrow ϕPS region (ϕPS denotes the volume fraction of PS). At ϕPS = 64%, tuning film thickness and annealing temperature can produce parallel PL or DG with {121}DG lattice planes being parallel to the substrate surface. The effects of annealing temperature and film thickness on the formation of PL and DG are examined. In thin films with n ≈ 3 (n denotes the ratio of initial film thickness to inter-domain spacing), the PL phase solely exists regardless of temperature. However, for thick films with n ≈ 6 and 10, thermal annealing at the most accessible temperature produces films containing both PL and DG of various fractions, but a low temperature tends to favor a greater fraction of PL. The PL phase becomes the only discernible phase if thick films are shortly annealed at 230 °C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Wen Hong
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, National Central University, Taoyuan 32001, Taiwan.
| | - Jung-Hong Chang
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, National Central University, Taoyuan 32001, Taiwan.
| | - Iris Ching-Ya Chang
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, National Central University, Taoyuan 32001, Taiwan.
| | - Ya-Sen Sun
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, National Central University, Taoyuan 32001, Taiwan.
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6
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Chen YF, Hong JW, Chang JH, Junisu BA, Sun YS. Influence of Osmotic Pressure on Nanostructures in Thin Films of a Weakly-Segregated Block Copolymer and Its Blends with a Homopolymer. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:polym13152480. [PMID: 34372083 PMCID: PMC8348333 DOI: 10.3390/polym13152480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
We studied the influence of osmotic pressure on nanostructures in thin films of a symmetric weakly-segregated polystyrene-block-poly (methyl methacrylate), P(S-b-MMA), block copolymer and its mixtures with a polystyrene (PS) homopolymer of various compositions. Thin films were deposited on substrates through surface neutralization. The surface neutralization results from the PS mats, which were oxidized and cross-linked by UV-light exposure. Thus, thermal annealing produced perpendicularly oriented lamellae and perforated layers, depending on the content of added PS chains. Nevertheless, a mixed orientation was obtained from cylinders in thin films, where a high content of PS was blended with the P(S-b-MMA). A combination of UV-light exposure and acetic acid rinsing was used to remove the PMMA block. Interestingly, the treatment of PMMA removal inevitably produced osmotic pressure and consequently resulted in surface wrinkling of perpendicular lamellae. As a result, a hierarchical structure with two periodicities was obtained for wrinkled films with perpendicular lamellae. The formation of surface wrinkling is due to the interplay between UV-light exposure and acetic acid rinsing. UV-light exposure resulted in different mechanical properties between the skin and the inner region of a film. Acetic acid rinsing produced osmotic pressure. It was found that surface wrinkling could be suppressed by reducing film thickness, increasing PS content and using high-molecular-weight P(S-b-MMA) BCPs.
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7
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Bilchak CR, Govind S, Contreas G, Rasin B, Maguire SM, Composto RJ, Fakhraai Z. Kinetic Monitoring of Block Copolymer Self-Assembly Using In Situ Spectroscopic Ellipsometry. ACS Macro Lett 2020; 9:1095-1101. [PMID: 35653214 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.0c00444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the kinetic pathways of self-assembly in block copolymers (BCPs) has been a long-standing challenge, mostly due to limitations of in situ monitoring techniques. Here, we demonstrate an approach that uses optical birefringence, determined by spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE), as a measure of domain formation in cylinder- and lamellae-forming BCP films. The rapid experimental acquisition time in SE (ca. 1 sec) enables monitoring of the assembly/disassembly kinetics of BCP films during solvent-vapor annealing (SVA). We demonstrate that upon SVA, BCP films form ordered domains that are stable in the swollen state, but disorder upon rapid drying. Surprisingly, the disassembly during drying strongly depends on the duration of solvent exposure in the swollen state, explaining previous observations of loss of order in SVA processes. SE thus allows for decoupling of BCP self-assembly and disordering that occurs during solvent annealing and solvent evaporation, which is difficult to probe using other, slower techniques.
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8
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Mao Y, Yang X, Gong W, Zhang J, Pan T, Sun H, Chen Z, Wang Z, Zhu J, Hu J, Cong S, Geng F, Zhao Z. A Dopant Replacement-Driven Molten Salt Method toward the Synthesis of Sub-5-nm-Sized Ultrathin Nanowires. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2020; 16:e2001098. [PMID: 32383359 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202001098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The high-temperature molten-salt method is an important inorganic synthetic route to a wide variety of morphological phenotypes. However, its utility is limited by the fact that it is typically incapable of producing ultrathin (<5 nm diameter) nanowires, which have a crucial role in novel nanotechnology applications. Herein, a rapid molten salt-based synthesis of sub-5-nm-sized nanowires of hexagonal tungsten oxide (h-WO3 ) that is critically dependent on a substantial proportion of molybdenum (Mo) dopant is described. This dopant-driven morphological transition in tungsten oxide (WO3 ) may be attributable to the collapse of layered structure, followed by nanocluster aggregation, coalescence, and recrystallization to form ultrathin nanowires. Interestingly, due to the structural properties of h-WO3 , the thus-formed ultrathin nanowires are demonstrated to be excellent photocatalysts for the production of ammonia (NH3 ) from nitrogen (N2 ) and water. The ultrathin nanowires exhibit a high photocatalytic NH3 -production activity with a rate of 370 µmol g-1 h-1 and an apparent quantum efficiency of 0.84% at 420 nm, which is more than twice that obtained from the best-performing Mo-doped W18 O49 nanowire catalysts. It is envisaged that the dopant replacement-driven synthetic protocol will allow for rapid access to a series of ultrathin nanostructures with intriguing properties and increase potential applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihua Mao
- Key Lab of Nanodevices and Applications, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Xuwen Yang
- Key Lab of Nanodevices and Applications, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Wenbin Gong
- School of Physics and Energy, Xuzhou University of Technology, Xuzhou, 221018, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Key Lab of Nanodevices and Applications, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Ting Pan
- Key Lab of Nanodevices and Applications, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Hongzhao Sun
- Key Lab of Nanodevices and Applications, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Zhigang Chen
- Key Lab of Nanodevices and Applications, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- Key Lab of Nanodevices and Applications, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Junfa Zhu
- National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory (NSRL), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230029, China
| | - Jun Hu
- National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory (NSRL), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230029, China
| | - Shan Cong
- Key Lab of Nanodevices and Applications, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Suzhou, 215123, China
- Key Laboratory of Multifunctional Nanomaterials and Smart Systems, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Fengxia Geng
- College of Energy, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Zhigang Zhao
- Key Lab of Nanodevices and Applications, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Suzhou, 215123, China
- Division of Nanomaterials, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanchang, 330200, China
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9
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Takano K, Nyu T, Maekawa T, Seki T, Nakatani R, Komamura T, Hayakawa T, Hayashi T. Real-time and in situ observation of structural evolution of giant block copolymer thin film under solvent vapor annealing by atomic force microscopy. RSC Adv 2020; 10:70-75. [PMID: 35492547 PMCID: PMC9047986 DOI: 10.1039/c9ra09043f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
An instrumentation technique for real-time, in situ and real space observation of microphase separation was proposed for ultra-high molecular weight block copolymer thin films (1010 kg mol−1, domain spacing of 180 nm) under high solvent vapor swelling conditions. This is made possible by a combination of a homebuilt chamber which is capable of supplying sufficient amount of vapor, and force–distance curve measurements which gives real-time swollen film thickness and allow active feedback for controlling the degree of swelling. We succeeded in monitoring the domain coarsening of perpendicular lamellar structures in polystyrene-block-poly(methyl methacrylate) thin films for eight hours via tapping mode imaging. During the annealing process, the thickness reached a maximum of 8.5 times that of the original film. The series of temporal real space topographic images obtained via this method allowed us to study, for the first time, the growth exponent of the correlation length under solvent vapor annealing. Real-time and in situ observation technique was proposed for ultra high molecular weight block copolymer thin films under solvent vapor annealing.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaori Takano
- JXTG Nippon Oil & Energy Corporation
- Yokohama
- Japan
- Department of Electronic Chemistry
- Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Science and Engineering
| | - Takashi Nyu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering
- School of Materials and Chemical Technology
- Tokyo Institute of Technology
- Tokyo 152-8552
- Japan
| | - Tatsuhiro Maekawa
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering
- School of Materials and Chemical Technology
- Tokyo Institute of Technology
- Tokyo 152-8552
- Japan
| | - Takashi Seki
- JXTG Nippon Oil & Energy Corporation
- Yokohama
- Japan
| | - Ryuichi Nakatani
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering
- School of Materials and Chemical Technology
- Tokyo Institute of Technology
- Tokyo 152-8552
- Japan
| | - Takahiro Komamura
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering
- School of Materials and Chemical Technology
- Tokyo Institute of Technology
- Tokyo 152-8552
- Japan
| | - Teruaki Hayakawa
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering
- School of Materials and Chemical Technology
- Tokyo Institute of Technology
- Tokyo 152-8552
- Japan
| | - Tomohiro Hayashi
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering
- School of Materials and Chemical Technology
- Tokyo Institute of Technology
- Tokyo 152-8552
- Japan
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10
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Beyerlein KR. Time-spliced X-ray diffraction imaging of magnetism dynamics in a NdNiO 3 thin film. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:2044-2048. [PMID: 29440492 PMCID: PMC5834687 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1716160115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Diffraction imaging of nonequilibrium dynamics at atomic resolution is becoming possible with X-ray free-electron lasers. However, there are unresolved problems with applying this method to objects that are confined in only one dimension. Here I show that reliable one-dimensional coherent diffraction imaging is possible by splicing together images recovered from different time delays in an optical pump X-ray probe experiment. The time and space evolution of antiferromagnetic order in a vibrationally excited complex oxide heterostructure is recovered from time-resolved measurements of a resonant soft X-ray diffraction peak. Midinfrared excitation of the substrate is shown to lead to a demagnetization front that propagates at a velocity exceeding the speed of sound, a critical observation for the understanding of driven phase transitions in complex condensed matter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth R Beyerlein
- Condensed Matter Dynamics Department, Max Plank Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter, 22761 Hamburg, Germany;
- Center for Free-Electron Laser Science, 22761 Hamburg, Germany
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11
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Zhang Q, Lin J, Wang L, Xu Z. Theoretical modeling and simulations of self-assembly of copolymers in solution. Prog Polym Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2017.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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12
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Wang D, Russell TP. Advances in Atomic Force Microscopy for Probing Polymer Structure and Properties. Macromolecules 2017. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.7b01459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas P. Russell
- Polymer
Science and Engineering Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
- Materials
Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
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13
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Riesch C, Radons G, Magerle R. Scaling properties of ageing orientation fluctuations in stripe phases. Interface Focus 2017; 7:20160146. [PMID: 28630676 PMCID: PMC5474038 DOI: 10.1098/rsfs.2016.0146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigate the non-equilibrium dynamics of an ordered stripe-forming system free of topological defects. In particular, we study the ageing and the coarsening of orientation fluctuations parallel and perpendicular to the stripes via computer simulations based on a minimal phase-field model (model B with Coulomb interactions). Under the influence of noise, the stripe orientation field develops fluctuations parallel to the stripes, with the dominant modulation length λ*∥ increasing with time t as λ*∥ ∼ t1/4 and the correlation length perpendicular to the stripes ξ⊥θ increasing as ξ⊥θ ∼ t1/2. We explain these anisotropic coarsening dynamics with an analytic theory based on the linear elastic model for stripe displacements first introduced by Landau and Peierls. We thus obtain the scaling forms and the scaling exponents characterizing the correlation functions and the structure factor of the stripe orientation field. Our results reveal how the coarsening of orientation fluctuations prevents a periodically modulated phase free of topological defects from reaching equilibrium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Riesch
- Institut für Physik, Technische Universität Chemnitz, 09107 Chemnitz, Germany
| | - Günter Radons
- Institut für Physik, Technische Universität Chemnitz, 09107 Chemnitz, Germany
| | - Robert Magerle
- Institut für Physik, Technische Universität Chemnitz, 09107 Chemnitz, Germany
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14
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Cha SK, Lee GY, Mun JH, Jin HM, Moon CY, Kim JS, Kim KH, Jeong SJ, Kim SO. Self-Assembly of Complex Multimetal Nanostructures from Perforated Lamellar Block Copolymer Thin Films. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2017; 9:15727-15732. [PMID: 28401753 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.7b03319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
We introduce a facile and effective fabrication of complex multimetallic nanostructures through block copolymer self-assembly. Two- and three-dimensional complex nanostructures, such as "nanomesh," "double-layered nanomeshes," and "surface parallel cylinders on nanomesh," can be fabricated using the self-assembly of perforated lamellar morphology in block copolymer thin films. Simultaneous integration of various metallic elements, including Pt, Au, and Co, into the self-assembled morphologies generates multimetal complex nanostructures with highly interconnected morphology and a large surface. The resultant metal nanostructures with a large surface area, robust electrical connectivity, and well-defined alloy composition demonstrate a high-performance electrochemical catalysis for hydrogen evolution reaction (current density: 6.27 mA/cm2@0.1 V and Tafel slope: 43 mV/dec).
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Keun Cha
- National Creative Research Initiative (CRI) Center for Multi-Dimensional Directed Nanoscale Assembly, Department of Material Science and Engineering, KAIST , Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Gil Yong Lee
- National Creative Research Initiative (CRI) Center for Multi-Dimensional Directed Nanoscale Assembly, Department of Material Science and Engineering, KAIST , Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Ho Mun
- National Creative Research Initiative (CRI) Center for Multi-Dimensional Directed Nanoscale Assembly, Department of Material Science and Engineering, KAIST , Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeong Min Jin
- National Creative Research Initiative (CRI) Center for Multi-Dimensional Directed Nanoscale Assembly, Department of Material Science and Engineering, KAIST , Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Yun Moon
- National Creative Research Initiative (CRI) Center for Multi-Dimensional Directed Nanoscale Assembly, Department of Material Science and Engineering, KAIST , Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Soo Kim
- National Creative Research Initiative (CRI) Center for Multi-Dimensional Directed Nanoscale Assembly, Department of Material Science and Engineering, KAIST , Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang Ho Kim
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pusan National University , Pusan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Jun Jeong
- Device Laboratory, Device & System Research Center, Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology , Suwon 16678, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Ouk Kim
- National Creative Research Initiative (CRI) Center for Multi-Dimensional Directed Nanoscale Assembly, Department of Material Science and Engineering, KAIST , Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
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15
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Gruhn T, Pogorelov E, Seiferling F, Emmerich H. Analyzing spinodal decomposition of an anisotropic fluid mixture. JOURNAL OF PHYSICS. CONDENSED MATTER : AN INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS JOURNAL 2017; 29:055103. [PMID: 27941222 DOI: 10.1088/1361-648x/aa4de0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Spinodal decomposition leads to spontaneous fluctuations of the local concentration. In the early stage, the resulting pattern provides explicit information about the material properties of the mixture. In the case of two isotropic fluids, the static structure factor shows the characteristic ring shape. If one component is a liquid crystal, the pattern is typically anisotropic and the structure factor is more complex. Using numerical methods, we investigate how structure factors can be used to extract information about material properties like the diffusion constant or the isotropic and the anisotropic contributions to the interfacial tension. The method is based on momenta taken from structure factors in the early stage of the spinodal demixing. We perform phase field calculations for an isotropic and an anisotropic spinodal decomposition. A comparison of the extracted results with analytic values is made. The calculations show that linear modes dominate in the beginning of the growth process, while non-linear modes grow monotonously in the region of the k-space for which damping is predicted by the linearized theory. As long as non-linear modes are small enough, linearized theory can be applied to extract material properties from the structure factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Gruhn
- Materials and Process Simulation (MPS), University of Bayreuth, Germany
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16
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17
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Block copolymer thin films: Characterizing nanostructure evolution with in situ X-ray and neutron scattering. POLYMER 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2016.06.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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18
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Liu H, Zhu YL, Lu ZY, Müller-Plathe F. A kinetic chain growth algorithm in coarse-grained simulations. J Comput Chem 2016; 37:2634-2646. [DOI: 10.1002/jcc.24495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2016] [Revised: 09/04/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials; Institute of Theoretical Chemistry, Jilin University; Changchun 130021 China
- Eduard-Zintl-Institut für Anorganische und Physikalische Chemie, Technische Universität; Darmstadt 64287 Deutschland
| | - You-Liang Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry; Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Changchun 130022 China
| | - Zhong-Yuan Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials; Institute of Theoretical Chemistry, Jilin University; Changchun 130021 China
| | - Florian Müller-Plathe
- Eduard-Zintl-Institut für Anorganische und Physikalische Chemie, Technische Universität; Darmstadt 64287 Deutschland
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19
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Gu X, Gunkel I, Hexemer A, Russell TP. Controlling Domain Spacing and Grain Size in Cylindrical Block Copolymer Thin Films by Means of Thermal and Solvent Vapor Annealing. Macromolecules 2016. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.6b00429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodan Gu
- Polymer
Science and Engineering Department, University of Massachusetts at Amherst, 120 Governors Drive, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Ilja Gunkel
- Polymer
Science and Engineering Department, University of Massachusetts at Amherst, 120 Governors Drive, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | | | - Thomas P. Russell
- Polymer
Science and Engineering Department, University of Massachusetts at Amherst, 120 Governors Drive, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
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20
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Serral M, Pinna M, Zvelindovsky AV, Avalos JB. Cell Dynamics Simulations of Sphere-Forming Diblock Copolymers in Thin Films on Chemically Patterned Substrates. Macromolecules 2016. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.5b02314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Serral
- Department
d’Enginyeria Química, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Av. dels Països Catalans, 26, 43007 Tarragona, Spain
| | - Marco Pinna
- School
of Mathematics and Physics, College of Science, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln, Lincolnshire LN6 7TS, U.K
| | - Andrei V. Zvelindovsky
- School
of Mathematics and Physics, College of Science, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln, Lincolnshire LN6 7TS, U.K
| | - Josep Bonet Avalos
- Department
d’Enginyeria Química, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Av. dels Països Catalans, 26, 43007 Tarragona, Spain
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21
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Yu H, Qiu X, Behzad AR, Musteata V, Smilgies DM, Nunes SP, Peinemann KV. Asymmetric block copolymer membranes with ultrahigh porosity and hierarchical pore structure by plain solvent evaporation. Chem Commun (Camb) 2016; 52:12064-12067. [DOI: 10.1039/c6cc06402g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Membranes with a hierarchical porous structure and an isoporous skin could be manufactured from a block copolymer blend by pure solvent evaporation (drying induced phase separation).
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Affiliation(s)
- H. Yu
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
- Thuwal 23955-6900
- Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - X. Qiu
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
- Thuwal 23955-6900
- Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - A. R. Behzad
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
- Thuwal 23955-6900
- Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - V. Musteata
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
- Thuwal 23955-6900
- Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - D.-M. Smilgies
- Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source
- Cornell University
- Ithaca
- USA
| | - S. P. Nunes
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
- Thuwal 23955-6900
- Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - K.-V. Peinemann
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
- Thuwal 23955-6900
- Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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22
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Pester CW, Schmidt K, Ruppel M, Schoberth HG, Böker A. Electric-Field-Induced Order–Order Transition from Hexagonally Perforated Lamellae to Lamellae. Macromolecules 2015. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.5b01336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christian W. Pester
- Materials Research Laboratory & Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | | | - Markus Ruppel
- Fraunhofer-Institut
für Angewandte Polymerforschung, Lehrstuhl für Polymermaterialien
und Polymertechnologie, Universität Potsdam, Geiselbergstraße
69, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | | | - Alexander Böker
- Fraunhofer-Institut
für Angewandte Polymerforschung, Lehrstuhl für Polymermaterialien
und Polymertechnologie, Universität Potsdam, Geiselbergstraße
69, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
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23
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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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24
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Riesch C, Radons G, Magerle R. Aging of orientation fluctuations in stripe phases. PHYSICAL REVIEW. E, STATISTICAL, NONLINEAR, AND SOFT MATTER PHYSICS 2014; 90:052101. [PMID: 25493734 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.90.052101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Stripe patterns, observed in a large variety of physical systems, often exhibit a slow nonequilibrium dynamics because ordering is impeded by the presence of topological defects. Using computer simulations based on a well-established model for stripe formation, we show that a slow dynamics and aging occur also in stripe patterns free of topological defects. For a wide range of noise strengths, the two-time orientation correlation function follows a scaling form that is typical for systems exhibiting a growing length scale. In our case, the underlying mechanism is the coarsening of orientation fluctuations, ultimately leading to power-law spatial correlations perpendicular to the stripes. Our results show that even for the smallest amount of noise, stripe phases without topological defects do not reach equilibrium. This constitutes an important aspect of the dynamics of modulated phases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Riesch
- Institut für Physik, Technische Universität Chemnitz, D-09107 Chemnitz, Germany
| | - Günter Radons
- Institut für Physik, Technische Universität Chemnitz, D-09107 Chemnitz, Germany
| | - Robert Magerle
- Institut für Physik, Technische Universität Chemnitz, D-09107 Chemnitz, Germany
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25
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Sinturel C, Grosso D, Boudot M, Amenitsch H, Hillmyer MA, Pineau A, Vayer M. Structural transitions in asymmetric poly(styrene)-block-poly(lactide) thin films induced by solvent vapor exposure. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2014; 6:12146-12152. [PMID: 25000367 DOI: 10.1021/am504086x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Successive structural transitions in thin films of asymmetric poly(styrene)-block-poly(lactide) (PS-PLA) block copolymer samples upon exposure to tetrahydrofuran (THF) vapors have been monitored using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and both in situ and ex situ grazing incidence small-angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS). A direct link was established between the structure in the swollen state and the morphology formed in the dried state post solvent evaporation. This was related to the high incompatibility between the constituting blocks of the copolymer that thwarted the system from reaching the homogeneous disordered state in the swollen state under the specific conditions utilized in this study. Upon rapid solvent removal, the morphologies formed in the swollen state were trapped due the fast evaporation kinetics. This work provides a better understanding of the mechanisms associated with block copolymer thin film morphology changes induced by solvent vapor annealing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Sinturel
- Centre de Recherche sur la Matière Divisée, CNRS/Université d'Orléans , 1b rue de la Férollerie, 45 071 Orléans Cedex 02, France
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26
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Hao QH, Miao B, Song QG, Niu XH, Liu TJ. Phase behaviors of sphere-forming triblock copolymers confined in nanopores: A dynamic density functional theory study. POLYMER 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2014.06.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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27
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Jiang Z, Xu C, Qiu YD, Wang X, Zhou D, Xue G. Complex microstructures of ABC triblock copolymer thin films directed by polymer brushes based on self-consistent field theory. NANOSCALE RESEARCH LETTERS 2014; 9:359. [PMID: 25114650 PMCID: PMC4120731 DOI: 10.1186/1556-276x-9-359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2014] [Accepted: 07/06/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The morphology and the phase diagram of ABC triblock copolymer thin film directed by polymer brushes are investigated by the self-consistent field theory in three dimensions. The polymer brushes coated on the substrate can be used as a good soft template to tailor the morphology of the block copolymer thin films compared with those on the hard substrates. The polymer brush is identical with the middle block B. By continuously changing the composition of the block copolymer, the phase diagrams are constructed for three cases with the fixed film thickness and the brush density: identical interaction parameters, frustrated and non-frustrated cases. Some ordered complex morphologies are observed: parallel lamellar phase with hexagonally packed pores at surfaces (LAM3 (ll) -HFs), perpendicular lamellar phase with cylinders at the interface (LAM(⊥)-CI), and perpendicular hexagonally packed cylinders phase with rings at the interface (C2 (⊥)-RI). A desired direction (perpendicular or parallel to the coated surfaces) of lamellar phases or cylindrical phases can be obtained by varying the composition and the interactions between different blocks. The phase diagram of ABC triblock copolymer thin film wetted between the polymer brush-coated surfaces is very useful in designing the directed pattern of ABC triblock copolymer thin film.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhibin Jiang
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of High Performance Polymer Materials and Technology of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, Nanjing National Laboratory of Microstructures, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Chang Xu
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of High Performance Polymer Materials and Technology of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, Nanjing National Laboratory of Microstructures, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Yu dong Qiu
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of High Performance Polymer Materials and Technology of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, Nanjing National Laboratory of Microstructures, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Xiaoliang Wang
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of High Performance Polymer Materials and Technology of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, Nanjing National Laboratory of Microstructures, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Dongshan Zhou
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of High Performance Polymer Materials and Technology of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, Nanjing National Laboratory of Microstructures, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Gi Xue
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of High Performance Polymer Materials and Technology of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, Nanjing National Laboratory of Microstructures, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
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28
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29
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Horechyy A, Nandan B, Zafeiropoulos NE, Jehnichen D, Göbel M, Stamm M, Pospiech D. Nanoparticle directed domain orientation in thin films of asymmetric block copolymers. Colloid Polym Sci 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s00396-014-3251-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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30
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Stenbock-Fermor A, Knoll AW, Böker A, Tsarkova L. Enhancing Ordering Dynamics in Solvent-Annealed Block Copolymer Films by Lithographic Hard Mask Supports. Macromolecules 2014. [DOI: 10.1021/ma500561q] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Anja Stenbock-Fermor
- DWI—Leibniz-Institut
für Interaktive Materialien, Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52056, Aachen Germany
| | - Armin W. Knoll
- IBM Research—Zurich, Säumerstrasse 4, CH-8803 Rüschlikon, Switzerland
| | - Alexander Böker
- DWI—Leibniz-Institut
für Interaktive Materialien, Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52056, Aachen Germany
| | - Larisa Tsarkova
- DWI—Leibniz-Institut
für Interaktive Materialien, Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52056, Aachen Germany
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31
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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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodan Gu
- Polymer Science and Engineering Department, University of Massachusetts at Amherst, 120 Governors Drive, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
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32
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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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33
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Self-assembly of linear triblock copolymers under cylindrical nanopore confinements. CHINESE JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s10118-013-1183-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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34
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Surface relief terraces and self-assembled nanostructures in thin block copolymer films with solvent annealing. POLYMER 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2012.08.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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35
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Mokarian-Tabari P, Collins TW, Holmes JD, Morris MA. Cyclical "flipping" of morphology in block copolymer thin films. ACS NANO 2011; 5:4617-23. [PMID: 21612306 DOI: 10.1021/nn2003629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
We studied the kinetics of nanopattern evolution in (polystyrene-b-polyethylene oxide) diblock copolymer thin films. Using scanning force microscopy, a highly unexpected cylindrical flipping of morphology from normal to parallel to the film plane was detected during solvent annealing of the film (with average thickness of 30 nm) at high vapor pressure. Using an in situ time-resolved light scattering device combined with an environmental cell enabled us to obtain kinetic information at different vapor pressures. The data indicated that there is a threshold value for the vapor pressure necessary for the structural transition. We propose a swelling and deswelling mechanism for the orientation flipping of the morphology. The cyclic transition occurs faster in thick films (177 nm) where the mass uptake and solvent volume fraction is smaller and therefore the driving force for phase separation is higher. We induced a stronger segregation by confining the chains in graphoepitaxially patterned substrates. As expected, the cyclic transition occurred at higher rate. Our work is another step forward to understanding the structure evolution and also controlling the alignment of block copolymer nanocylinders independently of thickness and external fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parvaneh Mokarian-Tabari
- Materials Research Group, School of Chemistry and the Tyndall National Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
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36
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Gallyamov MO. Scanning Force Microscopy as Applied to Conformational Studies in Macromolecular Research. Macromol Rapid Commun 2011; 32:1210-46. [DOI: 10.1002/marc.201100150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2011] [Revised: 04/06/2011] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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37
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Li S, Chen P, Zhang L, Liang H. Geometric frustration phases of diblock copolymers in nanoparticles. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2011; 27:5081-5089. [PMID: 21417241 DOI: 10.1021/la200379h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The geometric frustration phases are investigated for diblock copolymers in nanoparticles with neutral surfaces using real-space self-consistent field theory. First, a rich variety of geometric frustration phases with specific symmetries are observed in the polymer nanoparticles with invariable diameters by constructing the phase diagrams arranged as the volume fraction and Flory-Huggins interaction parameter. Most of the space in the phase diagram is filled with phases with strong symmetries, such as spherical or cubic symmetries, while a number of asymmetric or axisymmetric phases are located in a narrow space in the diagram. Then the geometric frustration phases are examined systematically for the diblock copolymers with special polymer parameters, and a rich variety of novel frustration phases with multilayered structures are observed by varying the diameters of the nanoparticles. Furthermore, the investigations on the free energies indicate that the transitions between these frustrated phases are first-order, and the formation mechanism of the frustration phases is reasonably elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiben Li
- Department of Physics, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China.
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38
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39
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Pinna M, Hiltl S, Guo X, Böker A, Zvelindovsky AV. Block copolymer nanocontainers. ACS NANO 2010; 4:2845-2855. [PMID: 20496954 DOI: 10.1021/nn901853e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Using cell dynamics computer simulation, we perform a systematic study of thin block copolymer films around a nanoparticle. Lamellar-, cylinder-, and sphere-forming block copolymers are investigated with respect to different film thicknesses, particle radii, and boundary conditions at the film interfaces. The obtained structures include standing lamellae and cylinders, "onions", cylinder "knitting balls", "golf ball", layered spherical, "virus"-like and mixed morphologies with T-junctions and U-type defects. The kinetics of the structure formation and difference with planar thin films are discussed. Our simulations suggest that novel porous nanocontainers can be formed by the coating of a sacrificial nanobead by a block copolymer layer with a well-controlled nanostructure. In addition, first scanning force microscopy experiments on a model system reveal surface structures similar to those predicted by our simulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Pinna
- Computational Physics Group, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, United Kingdom.
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40
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Sohn KE, Kojio K, Berry BC, Karim A, Coffin RC, Bazan GC, Kramer EJ, Sprung M, Wang J. Surface Effects on the Thin Film Morphology of Block Copolymers with Bulk Order−Order Transitions. Macromolecules 2010. [DOI: 10.1021/ma1001194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Karen E. Sohn
- Department of Materials, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106
| | - Ken Kojio
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, 852-8521, Japan
| | - Brian C. Berry
- Polymers Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899
| | - Alamgir Karim
- Polymers Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899
| | - Robert C. Coffin
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106
| | - Guillermo C. Bazan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106
| | - Edward J. Kramer
- Department of Materials, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106
| | - Michael Sprung
- Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, Illinois 60439
| | - Jin Wang
- Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, Illinois 60439
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41
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Tsarkova L, Sevink GJA, Krausch G. Nanopattern Evolution in Block Copolymer Films: Experiment, Simulations and Challenges. COMPLEX MACROMOLECULAR SYSTEMS I 2010. [DOI: 10.1007/12_2010_54] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
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42
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Fitzgerald TG, Farrell RA, Petkov N, Bolger CT, Shaw MT, Charpin JPF, Gleeson JP, Holmes JD, Morris MA. Study on the combined effects of solvent evaporation and polymer flow upon block copolymer self-assembly and alignment on topographic patterns. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2009; 25:13551-13560. [PMID: 19860380 DOI: 10.1021/la9018162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Microphase separation of a polystyrene-block-polyisoprene-block-polystyrene triblock copolymer thin film under confined conditions (i.e., graphoepitaxy) results in ordered periodic arrays of polystyrene cylinders aligned parallel to the channel side-wall and base in a polyisoprene matrix. Polymer orientation and translational ordering with respect to the topographic substrate were elucidated by atomic force microscopy (AFM) while film thickness and polymer profile within the channel were monitored by cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy (TEM) as a function of time over a 6 h annealing period at 120 degrees C. Upon thermal annealing, the polymer film simultaneously undergoes three processes: microphase separation, evaporation of trapped solvent, and mass transport of polymer from the mesas into the channels. A significant volume of solvent is trapped within the polymer film upon spin coating arising from the increased polymer/substrate interfacial area due to the topographic pattern. Mass transport of polymer during this process results in nonuniform films, where subtle changes in the film thickness within the channel have profound effects on the microphase separation process. The initially disordered structure within the film underwent an orientation transition via an intermediate formation of perpendicular cylinders (nonequilibrium) to a parallel (equilibrium) orientation with respect to the channel base. Herein, we present a time-resolved study of the cylinder reorientation process detailing how changing film thickness during the annealing process dramatically affects both the local and lateral orientation of the observed structure. Finally, a brief mathematical model is provided to evaluate spin coating over a complex topography following a classical asymptotic approximation of the Navier-Stokes equations for the as-deposited films.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas G Fitzgerald
- Materials Chemistry Section, Chemistry Department, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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Farrell RA, Fitzgerald TG, Borah D, Holmes JD, Morris MA. Chemical interactions and their role in the microphase separation of block copolymer thin films. Int J Mol Sci 2009; 10:3671-3712. [PMID: 19865513 PMCID: PMC2769138 DOI: 10.3390/ijms10093671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2009] [Accepted: 08/14/2009] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The thermodynamics of self-assembling systems are discussed in terms of the chemical interactions and the intermolecular forces between species. It is clear that there are both theoretical and practical limitations on the dimensions and the structural regularity of these systems. These considerations are made with reference to the microphase separation that occurs in block copolymer (BCP) systems. BCP systems self-assemble via a thermodynamic driven process where chemical dis-affinity between the blocks driving them part is balanced by a restorative force deriving from the chemical bond between the blocks. These systems are attracting much interest because of their possible role in nanoelectronic fabrication. This form of self-assembly can obtain highly regular nanopatterns in certain circumstances where the orientation and alignment of chemically distinct blocks can be guided through molecular interactions between the polymer and the surrounding interfaces. However, for this to be possible, great care must be taken to properly engineer the interactions between the surfaces and the polymer blocks. The optimum methods of structure directing are chemical pre-patterning (defining regions on the substrate of different chemistry) and graphoepitaxy (topographical alignment) but both centre on generating alignment through favourable chemical interactions. As in all self-assembling systems, the problems of defect formation must be considered and the origin of defects in these systems is explored. It is argued that in these nanostructures equilibrium defects are relatively few and largely originate from kinetic effects arising during film growth. Many defects also arise from the confinement of the systems when they are 'directed' by topography. The potential applications of these materials in electronics are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard A. Farrell
- Department of Chemistry, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; E-Mails: (R.A.F.); (T.G.F.); (D.B.); (J.D.H.)
- Centre for Research on Adaptive Nanostructures and Nanodevices (CRANN), Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Tyndall National Institute, The Maltings, Cork, Ireland
| | - Thomas G. Fitzgerald
- Department of Chemistry, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; E-Mails: (R.A.F.); (T.G.F.); (D.B.); (J.D.H.)
- Centre for Research on Adaptive Nanostructures and Nanodevices (CRANN), Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Intel Ireland, Leixlip, Co. Kildare, Ireland
| | - Dipu Borah
- Department of Chemistry, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; E-Mails: (R.A.F.); (T.G.F.); (D.B.); (J.D.H.)
- Centre for Research on Adaptive Nanostructures and Nanodevices (CRANN), Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Justin D. Holmes
- Department of Chemistry, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; E-Mails: (R.A.F.); (T.G.F.); (D.B.); (J.D.H.)
- Centre for Research on Adaptive Nanostructures and Nanodevices (CRANN), Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Tyndall National Institute, The Maltings, Cork, Ireland
| | - Michael A. Morris
- Department of Chemistry, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; E-Mails: (R.A.F.); (T.G.F.); (D.B.); (J.D.H.)
- Centre for Research on Adaptive Nanostructures and Nanodevices (CRANN), Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Tyndall National Institute, The Maltings, Cork, Ireland
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George PA, Cooper-White JJ. Kinetically constrained block copolymer self-assembly a simple method to control domain size. Eur Polym J 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2008.11.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Sriprom W, James M, Perrier S, Neto C. Ordered Microphase Separation in Thin Films of PMMA−PBA Synthesized by RAFT: Effect of Block Polydispersity. Macromolecules 2009. [DOI: 10.1021/ma9004428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wilasinee Sriprom
- School of Chemistry and Key Centre for Polymers & Colloids, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; and Bragg Institute, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), PMB 1, Menai, NSW 2234, Australia
| | - Michael James
- School of Chemistry and Key Centre for Polymers & Colloids, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; and Bragg Institute, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), PMB 1, Menai, NSW 2234, Australia
| | - Sébastien Perrier
- School of Chemistry and Key Centre for Polymers & Colloids, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; and Bragg Institute, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), PMB 1, Menai, NSW 2234, Australia
| | - Chiara Neto
- School of Chemistry and Key Centre for Polymers & Colloids, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; and Bragg Institute, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), PMB 1, Menai, NSW 2234, Australia
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He L, Zhang L, Liang H. Cooperative surface-induced self-assembly of symmetric diblock copolymers confined films with embedded nanorods. POLYMER 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2008.11.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Heckmann
- Institut für Festkörperphysik, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Barbara Drossel
- Institut für Festkörperphysik, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
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Wang Y, Hong X, Liu B, Ma C, Zhang C. Two-Dimensional Ordering in Block Copolymer Monolayer Thin Films upon Selective Solvent Annealing. Macromolecules 2008. [DOI: 10.1021/ma800753a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- You Wang
- Materials Physics and Chemistry Department, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Xiaodong Hong
- Materials Physics and Chemistry Department, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Baoquan Liu
- Materials Physics and Chemistry Department, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Changyou Ma
- Materials Physics and Chemistry Department, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Chunfang Zhang
- Materials Physics and Chemistry Department, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
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Horvat A, Sevink GJA, Zvelindovsky AV, Krekhov A, Tsarkova L. Specific features of defect structure and dynamics in the cylinder phase of block copolymers. ACS NANO 2008; 2:1143-1152. [PMID: 19206332 DOI: 10.1021/nn800181m] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
We present a systematic study of defects in thin films of cylinder-forming block copolymers upon long-term thermal or solvent annealing. In particular, we consider in detail the peculiarities of both classical and specific topological defects, and conclude that there is a strong "defect structure-chain mobility" relationship in block copolymers. In the systems studied, representative defect configurations provide connectivity of the minority phase in the form of dislocations with a closed cylinder end or classical disclinations with incorporated alternative, nonbulk structures with planar symmetry. In solvent-annealed films with enhanced chain mobility, the neck defects (bridges between parallel cylinders) were observed. This type of nonsingular defect has not been identified in block copolymer systems before. We argue that topological arguments and 2D defect representation, sufficient for lamellar systems, are not sufficient to determine the stability and mobility of defects in the cylindrical phase. In-situ scanning force microscopy measurements are compared with the simulations based on the dynamic self-consistent mean field theory. The close match between experimental measurements and simulation results suggests that the lateral defect motion is diffusion-driven. In addition, 3D simulations demonstrated that the bottom (wetting) layer is only weakly involved into the structure ordering at the free surface. Finally, the morphological evolution is considered with the focus on the motion and interaction of the representative defect configurations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andriana Horvat
- Physikalische Chemie II, Universitat Bayreuth, D-95440 Bayreuth, Germany
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