1
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Avalos E, Teramoto T, Hirai Y, Yabu H, Nishiura Y. Controlling the Formation of Polyhedral Block Copolymer Nanoparticles: Insights from Process Variables and Dynamic Modeling. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:17276-17288. [PMID: 38645350 PMCID: PMC11025090 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c10302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
This study delves into the formation of nanoscale polyhedral block copolymer particles (PBCPs) exhibiting cubic, octahedral, and variant geometries. These structures represent a pioneering class that has never been fabricated previously. PBCP features distinct variations in curvature on the outer surface, aligning with the edges and corners of polyhedral shapes. This characteristic sharply contrasts with previous block copolymers (BCPs), which displayed a smooth spherical surface. The emergence of these cornered morphologies presents an intriguing and counterintuitive phenomenon and is linked to process parameters, such as evaporation rates and initial concentration, while keeping other variables constant. Using a system of coupled Cahn-Hillard (CCH) equations, we uncover the mechanisms driving polyhedral particle formation, emphasizing the importance of controlling relaxation parameters for shape variable u and microphase separation v. This unconventional approach, differing from traditional steepest descent method, allows for precise control and diverse polyhedral particle generation. Accelerating the shape variable u proves crucial for expediting precipitation and aligns with experimental observations. Employing the above theoretical model, we achieve shape predictions for particles and the microphase separation within them, which overcomes the limitations of ab initio computations. Additionally, a numerical stability analysis discerns the transient nature versus local minimizer characteristics. Overall, our findings contribute to understanding the complex interplay between process variables and the morphology of polyhedral BCP nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgar Avalos
- Advanced
Institute for Materials Research (WPI-AIMR), Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577, Japan
| | - Takashi Teramoto
- Faculty
of Data Science, Kyoto Women’s University, 35 Kitahiyoshi-cho, Imakumano, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-8501, Japan
| | - Yutaro Hirai
- Advanced
Institute for Materials Research (WPI-AIMR), Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Yabu
- Advanced
Institute for Materials Research (WPI-AIMR), Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577, Japan
| | - Yasumasa Nishiura
- Advanced
Institute for Materials Research (WPI-AIMR), Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577, Japan
- Research
Center of Mathematics for Social Creativity, Research Institute for
Electronic Science, Hokkaido University, N12W7, Kita-Ward, Mid-Campus Open
Laboratory Building No. 2, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
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2
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Magruder BR, Morse DC, Ellison CJ, Dorfman KD. Boundary Frustration in Double-Gyroid Thin Films. ACS Macro Lett 2024; 13:382-388. [PMID: 38478981 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.4c00026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Self-consistent field theory for thin films of AB diblock polymers in the double-gyroid phase reveals that in the absence of preferential wetting of monomer species at the film boundaries, films with the (211) plane oriented parallel to the boundaries are more stable than other orientations, consistent with experimental results. This preferred orientation is explained in the context of boundary frustration. Specifically, the angle of intersection between the A/B interface and the film boundary, the wetting angle, is thermodynamically restricted to a narrow range of values. Most termination planes in the double gyroid cannot accommodate this narrow range of wetting angles without significant local distortion relative to the bulk morphology; the (211)-oriented termination plane with the "double-wave" pattern produces relatively minimal distortion, making it the least frustrated boundary. The principle of boundary frustration provides a framework to understand the relative stability of termination planes for complex ordered block polymer phases confined between flat, nonpreferential boundaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin R Magruder
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, 421 Washington Avenue SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - David C Morse
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, 421 Washington Avenue SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Christopher J Ellison
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, 421 Washington Avenue SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Kevin D Dorfman
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, 421 Washington Avenue SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
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3
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Sun YS, Jian YQ, Yang ST, Wang HF, Junisu BA, Chen CY, Lin JM. Epitaxial Growth of Surface Perforations on Parallel Cylinders in Terraced Films of Block Copolymer/Homopolymer Blends. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2024; 40:7680-7691. [PMID: 38551605 PMCID: PMC11008238 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.4c00385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Due to incommensurability between initial thickness and interdomain distance, thermal annealing inevitably produces relief surface terraces (islands and holes) of various morphologies in thin films of block copolymers. We have demonstrated three kinds of surface terraces in blend films: polygrain terraces with diffuse edges, polygrain terraces with step edges, and pseudo-monograin terraces with island coarsening. The three morphologies were obtained by three different thermal histories, respectively. The thermal histories were imposed on blend films, which were prepared by mixing a homopolystyrene (hPS, 6.1 kg/mol) with a weakly segregated, symmetry polystyrene-block poly(methyl methacrylate) (PS-b-PMMA, 42 kg/mol) followed by spin coating. At a given weight-fraction ratio of PS-b-PMMA/hPS = 75/25, the interior of the blend films forms parallel cylinders. Nevertheless, the surface of the blend films is always dominated by a skin layer of perforations, which epitaxially grow on top of parallel cylinders. By oxygen plasma etching at various time intervals to probe interior nanodomains, the epitaxial relationship between surface perforations and parallel cylinders has been identified by a scanning electron microscope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Sen Sun
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, National Cheng
Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Qing Jian
- Department
of Chemical and Materials Engineering, National
Central University, Taoyuan 32001, Taiwan
| | - Shin-Tung Yang
- Department
of Chemical and Materials Engineering, National
Central University, Taoyuan 32001, Taiwan
| | - Hsiao-Fang Wang
- Department
of Chemical and Materials Engineering, National
Central University, Taoyuan 32001, Taiwan
| | - Belda Amelia Junisu
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, National Cheng
Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Yu Chen
- National
Synchrotron Radiation Research Center, Hsinchu 30076, Taiwan
| | - Jhih-Min Lin
- National
Synchrotron Radiation Research Center, Hsinchu 30076, Taiwan
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4
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Rong H, Zhang Z, Zhang Y, Lu X. Self-Healing Elastomers with Unprecedented Ultrahigh Strength, Superhigh Fracture Energy, Excellent Puncture Resistance, and Durability Based on Supramolecule Interlocking Networks Formed by Interlaced Hydrogen Bonds. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:2802-2813. [PMID: 38181409 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c17284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
Due to the multiple different properties in self-healing elastomers that are mutually exclusive based on the different and contradictory molecule chain structures, simultaneously achieving the ultrahigh mechanical performance and high durability of self-healing elastomers is a great challenge and the goal that has always been pursued. Herein, we report a novel strategy to fabricate a self-healing elastomer by introducing interlaced hydrogen bonds with superhigh binding energy. Distinguishing from the quadruple hydrogen bonds reported already, the interlaced hydrogen bond with a lower repulsive secondary interaction and higher binding energy is composed of two molecule units with different lengths and steric hindrance. Connected by the interlaced hydrogen bonds, a supramolecule interlocking network is formed to lock the polymer chains at room temperature, endowing the poly(urethane-urea) elastomer with an unprecedented ultrahigh strength (117.5 MPa, even higher than some plastics), the superhigh fracture energy (522.46 kJ m-2), and an excellent puncture resistance (puncture force reached 181.9 N). Moreover, the elastomers also exhibited excellent self-healing properties (healing efficiency up to 95.8%), high transparency (the average transmittance up to 91.0%), and good durability (including thermal decomposition resistance, thermal oxidation aging resistance, water resistance, and solvent resistance), providing a theoretical basis and technical reference in the development and broadening the application prospects of self-healing elastomers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoxiang Rong
- School of Materials of Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Zhenpeng Zhang
- School of Materials of Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Yanan Zhang
- School of Materials of Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Xun Lu
- School of Materials of Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
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5
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Sun YS, Liao YP, Hung HH, Chiang PH, Su CJ. Molecular-weight effects of a homopolymer on the AB- and ABC-stacks of perforations in block copolymer/homopolymer films. SOFT MATTER 2024; 20:609-620. [PMID: 38131364 DOI: 10.1039/d3sm01249b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
We have demonstrated the molecular-weight effects of adding homopolystyrene (hPS) on the evolution of perforated layers and double gyroids in polystyrene-block-poly(methyl methacrylate)-based films during isothermal annealing. Two homopolystyrenes of 2.8 and 17 kg mol-1 were used. To prepare blend films, PS-b-PMMA and hPSx (x: 2.8 or 17) were mixed at a weight-fraction ratio of 75/25 in toluene and then spin-coated at SiOx/Si. Spin coating inevitably produced films with thick edges at the periphery of the substrate. The structural evolution of the spun films was in situ characterized by grazing incidence small-angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS). The annealed films were then characterized using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). We found that thin middle regions behaved differently from thick beads for the films. The middle of the blend films mainly formed perforated layers with different spatial orders and orientations, depending on the molecular weight of added hPS chains. Hexagonally perforated layers quickly formed at 205 °C for PS-b-PMMA/hPS2.8 films. However, when hPS17 was used instead of hPS2.8, perforated layers formed with defects in PS-b-PMMA/hPS17 films annealed at 205 °C. Annealing at 240 °C improved the spatial order and orientation of perforated layers for a PS-b-PMMA/hPS17 film. Nevertheless, annealing at 240 °C inversely depressed the in-plane spatial order of perforated layers for a PS-b-PMMA/hPS2.8 film. The depression in the in-plane spatial order is ascribed to a dilution effect of added short chains. Compared to the middle regions, the thick beads went through several metastable phases, such as perpendicularly oriented perforated layers and double gyroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Sen Sun
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan.
| | - Yin-Ping Liao
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, National Central University, Taoyuan 32001, Taiwan
| | - Hsiang-Ho Hung
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, National Central University, Taoyuan 32001, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Hsuan Chiang
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, National Central University, Taoyuan 32001, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Jen Su
- National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center, Hsinchu 30076, Taiwan
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6
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Hou C, Wang J, Wang P, Cui J, Wang S, Xin R, Li H, Sun X, Ren Z, Yan S. Epitaxy-Directed Self-Assembly of Copolymers and Polymer Blends. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2207707. [PMID: 37997189 PMCID: PMC10787078 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202207707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Directed self-assembly of materials into patterned structures is of great importance since the performance of them depends remarkably on their multiscale hierarchical structures. Therefore, purposeful structural regulation at different length scales through crystallization engineering provides an opportunity to modify the properties of polymeric materials. Here, an epitaxy-directed self-assembly strategy for regulating the pattern structures including phase structure as well as crystal modification and orientation of each component for both copolymers and polymer blends is reported. Owing to the specific crystallography registration between the depositing crystalline polymers and the underlying crystalline substrate, not only order phase structure with controlled size at nanometer scale but also the crystal structure and chain orientation of each component within the separated phases for both copolymers and polymer blend systems can be precisely regulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyue Hou
- Key Laboratory of Rubber-Plastics, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042, China
| | - Junjie Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Peng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Jiahui Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Shaojuan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Rubber-Plastics, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042, China
| | - Rui Xin
- Key Laboratory of Rubber-Plastics, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042, China
| | - Huihui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Xiaoli Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Zhongjie Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Shouke Yan
- Key Laboratory of Rubber-Plastics, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042, China
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
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7
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Fontelo R, Reis RL, Novoa-Carballal R, Pashkuleva I. Preparation, Properties, and Bioapplications of Block Copolymer Nanopatterns. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2301810. [PMID: 37737834 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202301810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Block copolymer (BCP) self-assembly has emerged as a feasible method for large-scale fabrication with remarkable precision - features that are not common for most of the nanofabrication techniques. In this review, recent advancements in the molecular design of BCP along with state-of-the-art processing methodologies based on microphase separation alone or its combination with different lithography methods are presented. Furthermore, the bioapplications of the generated nanopatterns in the development of protein arrays, cell-selective surfaces, and antibacterial coatings are explored. Finally, the current challenges in the field are outlined and the potential breakthroughs that can be achieved by adopting BCP approaches already applied in the fabrication of electronic devices are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raul Fontelo
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Barco, Guimarães, 4805-017, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Rui L Reis
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Barco, Guimarães, 4805-017, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Ramon Novoa-Carballal
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Barco, Guimarães, 4805-017, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
- CINBIO, University of Vigo, Campus Universitario de Vigo, Vigo, Pontevedra, 36310, Spain
| | - Iva Pashkuleva
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Barco, Guimarães, 4805-017, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
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8
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Ge H, Shi W, He C, Feng A, Thang SH. Star-Shaped Thermoplastic Elastomers Prepared via RAFT Polymerization. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15092002. [PMID: 37177150 PMCID: PMC10180775 DOI: 10.3390/polym15092002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Styrene-based thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) demonstrate excellent overall performance and account for the largest industrial output. The traditional methods of preparation styrene-based thermoplastic elastomers mainly focused on anionic polymerization, and strict equipment conditions were required. In recent years, controlled/living radical polymerization (CRP) has developed rapidly, enabling the synthesis of polymers with various complex topologies while controlling their molecular weight. Herein, a series of core crosslinked star-shaped poly(styrene-b-isoprene-b-styrene)s (SISs) was synthesized for the first time via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. Meanwhile, linear triblock SISs with a similar molecular weight were synthesized as a control. We achieved not only the controlled/living radical polymerization of isoprene but also investigated the factors influencing the star-forming process. By testing the mechanical and thermal properties and characterizing the microscopic fractional phase structure, we found that both the linear and star-shaped SISs possessed good tensile properties and a certain phase separation structure, demonstrating the characteristics of thermoplastic elastomers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
- Center of Advanced Elastomer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Wencheng Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
- Center of Advanced Elastomer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Chen He
- Aerospace Research Institute of Materials & Processing Technology, Beijing 100076, China
| | - Anchao Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
- Center of Advanced Elastomer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - San H Thang
- School of Chemistry, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
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9
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Bae S, Noack MM, Yager KG. Surface enrichment dictates block copolymer orientation. NANOSCALE 2023; 15:6901-6912. [PMID: 36876525 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr00095h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Orientation of block copolymer (BCP) morphology in thin films is critical to applications as nanostructured coatings. Despite being well-studied, the ability to control BCP orientation across all possible block constituents remains challenging. Here, we deploy coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations to study diblock copolymer ordering in thin films, focusing on chain makeup, substrate surface energy, and surface tension disparity between the two constituent blocks. We explore the multi-dimensional parameter space of ordering using a machine-learning approach, where an autonomous loop using a Gaussian process (GP) control algorithm iteratively selects high-value simulations to compute. The GP kernel was engineered to capture known symmetries. The trained GP model serves as both a complete map of system response, and a robust means of extracting material knowledge. We demonstrate that the vertical orientation of BCP phases depends on several counter-balancing energetic contributions, including entropic and enthalpic material enrichment at interfaces, distortion of morphological objects through the film depth, and of course interfacial energies. BCP lamellae are found more resistant to these effects, and thus more robustly form vertical orientations across a broad range of conditions; while BCP cylinders are found to be highly sensitive to surface tension disparity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suwon Bae
- Center for Functional Nanomaterials, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York 11973, USA.
| | - Marcus M Noack
- The Center for Advanced Mathematics for Energy Research Applications, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
| | - Kevin G Yager
- Center for Functional Nanomaterials, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York 11973, USA.
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10
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Nowak SR, Tiwale N, Doerk GS, Nam CY, Black CT, Yager KG. Responsive blends of block copolymers stabilize the hexagonally perforated lamellae morphology. SOFT MATTER 2023; 19:2594-2604. [PMID: 36947412 DOI: 10.1039/d3sm00142c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Blends of block copolymers can form phases and exhibit features distinct from the constituent materials. We study thin film blends of cylinder-forming and lamellar-forming block copolymers across a range of substrate surface energies. Blend materials are responsive to interfacial energy, allowing selection of pure or coexisting phases based on surface chemistry. Blending stabilizes certain motifs that are typically metastable, and can be used to generate pure hexagonally perforated lamellar thin films across a range of film thicknesses and surface energies. This tolerant behavior is ascribed to the ability of blend materials to redistribute chains to stabilize otherwise high-energy defect structures. The blend responsiveness allows the morphology to be spatially defined through multi-tone chemical surface patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha R Nowak
- Center for Functional Nanomaterials, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York 11973, USA.
| | - Nikhil Tiwale
- Center for Functional Nanomaterials, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York 11973, USA.
| | - Gregory S Doerk
- Center for Functional Nanomaterials, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York 11973, USA.
| | - Chang-Yong Nam
- Center for Functional Nanomaterials, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York 11973, USA.
| | - Charles T Black
- Center for Functional Nanomaterials, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York 11973, USA.
| | - Kevin G Yager
- Center for Functional Nanomaterials, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York 11973, USA.
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11
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Non-Bulk Morphologies of Extremely Thin Block Copolymer Films Cast on Topographically Defined Substrates Featuring Deep Trenches: The Importance of Lateral Confinement. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15041035. [PMID: 36850318 PMCID: PMC9958675 DOI: 10.3390/polym15041035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Directed self-assembly of block copolymers is evolving toward applications that are more defect-tolerant but still require high morphological control and could benefit from simple, inexpensive fabrication processes. Previously, we demonstrated that simply casting ultra-thin block copolymer films on topographically defined substrates leads to hierarchical structures with dual patterns in a controlled manner and unraveled the dependence of the local morphology on the topographic feature dimensions. In this article, we discuss the extreme of the ultraconfined thickness regime at the border of film dewetting. Additional non-bulk morphologies are observed at this extreme, which further elaborate the arsenal of dual patterns that could be obtained in coexistence with full placement control. It is shown that as the thickness confinement approaches its limit, lateral confinement imposed by the width of the plateaus becomes a critical factor influencing the local morphology.
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12
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Demazy N, Argudo PG, Fleury G. Competitive Registration Fields for The Development of Complex Block Copolymer Structures by A Layer-by-Layer Approach. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2205254. [PMID: 36504447 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202205254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Block copolymer (BCP) self-assembly in thin films is an elegant method to generate nanometric features with tunable geometrical configurations. By combining directed assembly and hybridization methods, advances in nano-manufacturing have been attested over the past decades with flagship applications in lithography and optics. Nevertheless, the range of geometrical configurations is limited by the accessible morphologies inherent to the energy minimization process involved in BCP self-assembly. Layering of nanostructured BCP thin films has been recently proposed in order to enrich the span of nanostructures derived from BCP self-assembly with the formation of non-native heterostructures such as double-layered arrays of nanowires or dots-on-line and dots-in-hole hierarchical structures. In this work, the layer-by-layer method is further exploited for the generation of nano-mesh arrays using nanostructured BCP thin films. In particular, a subtle combination of chemical and topographical fields is leveraged in order to demonstrate design rules for the controlled registration of a BCP layer on top of an underneath immobilized one by the precise tuning of the interfacial chemical field between the two BCP layers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nils Demazy
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, LCPO, UMR 5629, Pessac, F-33600, France
| | - Pablo G Argudo
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, LCPO, UMR 5629, Pessac, F-33600, France
| | - Guillaume Fleury
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, LCPO, UMR 5629, Pessac, F-33600, France
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13
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Juan YT, Lai YF, Li X, Tai TC, Lin CH, Huang CF, Li B, Shi AC, Hsueh HY. Self-Assembly of Gyroid-Forming Diblock Copolymers under Spherical Confinement. Macromolecules 2023. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.2c02086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yen-Ting Juan
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 40227, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Yu-Fang Lai
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 40227, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Xingye Li
- School of Physics, Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education, Nankai University, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Tsung-Cheng Tai
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 40227, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Ching-Hsun Lin
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 40227, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Chih-Feng Huang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, i-Center for Advanced Science and Technology (iCAST), National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 40227, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Baohui Li
- School of Physics, Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education, Nankai University, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin 300071, China
| | - An-Chang Shi
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, McMaster University, Hamilton Ontario L8S 4M1, Canada
| | - Han-Yu Hsueh
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 40227, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Innovation and Development Center of Sustainable Agriculture, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 40227, Taiwan, Republic of China
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14
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Practical compatibility between self-consistent field theory and dissipative particle dynamics. POLYMER 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2023.125733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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15
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Lee TL, Lin JW, Ho RM. Controlled Self-Assembly of Polystyrene- block-Polydimethylsiloxane for Fabrication of Nanonetwork Silica Monoliths. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:54194-54202. [PMID: 36404593 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c15078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Herein, this work aims to carry out controlled self-assembly of single-composition block copolymer for the fabrication of various nanonetwork silica monoliths. With the use of lamellae-forming polystyrene-block-polydimethylsiloxane (PS-b-PDMS), nanonetwork-structured films could be fabricated by solvent annealing using a PS-selective solvent (chloroform). By simply tuning the flow rate of nitrogen purge to the PS-selective solvent for the controlled self-assembly of the PS-b-PDMS, gyroid- and diamond-structured monoliths can be formed due to the difference in the effective volume of PS in the PS-b-PDMS during solvent annealing. As a result, well-ordered nanonetwork SiO2 (silica) monoliths can be fabricated by templated sol-gel reaction using hydrofluoric acid etched PS-b-PDMS film as a template followed by the removal of the PS. This bottom-up approach for the fabrication of nanonetwork materials through templated synthesis is appealing to create nanonetwork materials for various applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsung-Lun Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu30013, Taiwan
| | - Jheng-Wei Lin
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu30013, Taiwan
| | - Rong-Ming Ho
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu30013, Taiwan
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16
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Angelopoulou PP, Moutsios I, Manesi GM, Ivanov DA, Sakellariou G, Avgeropoulos A. Designing high χ copolymer materials for nanotechnology applications: A systematic bulk vs. thin films approach. Prog Polym Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2022.101625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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17
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Singhal A, Sevink GJA. A Core-Shell Approach for Systematically Coarsening Nanoparticle-Membrane Interactions: Application to Silver Nanoparticles. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:3859. [PMID: 36364637 PMCID: PMC9656456 DOI: 10.3390/nano12213859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The continuous release of engineered nanomaterial (ENM) into the environment may bring about health concerns following human exposure. One important source of ENMs are silver nanoparticles (NPs) that are extensively used as anti-bacterial additives. The introduction of ENMs into the human body can occur via ingestion, skin uptake or the respiratory system. Therefore, evaluating how NPs translocate over bio-membranes is essential in assessing their primary toxicity. Unfortunately, data regarding membrane-NP interaction is still scarce, as is theoretical and in silico insight into what governs adhesion and translocation for the most relevant NPs and membranes. Coarse-grained (CG) molecular descriptions have the potential to alleviate this situation, but are hampered by the absence of a direct link to NP materials and membrane adhesion mechanisms. Here, we interrogate the relationship between the most common NP representation at the CG level and the adhesion characteristics of a model lung membrane. We find that this representation for silver NPs is non-transferable, meaning that a proper CG representation for one size is not suited for other sizes. We also identify two basic types of primary adhesion-(partial) NPs wrapping by the membrane and NP insertion into the membrane-that closely relate to the overall NP hydrophobicity and significantly differ in terms of lipid coatings. The proven non-transferability of the standard CG representation with size forms an inspiration for introducing a core-shell model even for bare NPs that are uniform in composition. Using existing all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) data as a reference, we show that this extension does allow us to reproduce size-dependent NP adhesion properties and lipid responses to NP binding at the CG level. The subsequent CGMD evaluation for 10 nm Ag NPs provides new insight into membrane binding for relevant NP sizes and into the role of water in trapping NPs into defected mixed monolayer-bilayer states. This development will be instrumental for simulating NP-membrane adhesion towards more experimentally relevant length and time scales for particular NP materials.
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18
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Bae S, Yager KG. Chain Redistribution Stabilizes Coexistence Phases in Block Copolymer Blends. ACS NANO 2022; 16:17107-17115. [PMID: 36126176 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c07448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The nanoscale morphologies of block copolymer (BCP) thin films are determined by chain architecture. Experimental studies of thin film blends of different BCP chain types have demonstrated that blending can stabilize new motifs, such as coexistence phases. Here, we deploy coarse-grained molecular dynamics (MD) simulations in order to better understand the self-assembly behavior of BCP blend thin films. We consider blends of lamella- and cylinder-forming BCP chains, studying their morphological makeup, the chain distribution within the morphology, and the underlying polymer chain conformations. Our simulations show that there are local concentration deviations at the scale of the morphological objects that dictate the local structure, and that BCP chains redistribute within the morphology so as to stabilize the structure. Underlying these effects are measurable distortions in the BCP chain conformations. The conformational freedom afforded by BCP blending stabilizes defects and allows coexistence phases to appear, while also leading to kinetic trapping effects. These results highlight the power of blending in designing the morphology that forms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suwon Bae
- Center for Functional Nanomaterials, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York 11973, United States
| | - Kevin G Yager
- Center for Functional Nanomaterials, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York 11973, United States
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19
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Lee WY, Chapman DV, Yu F, Tait WRT, Thedford RP, Freychet G, Zhernenkov M, Estroff LA, Wiesner UB. Triblock Terpolymer Thin Film Nanocomposites Enabling Two-Color Optical Super-Resolution Microscopy. Macromolecules 2022. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.2c01017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wennie Yun Lee
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - Dana V. Chapman
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - Fei Yu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - William R. T. Tait
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - R. Paxton Thedford
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - Guillaume Freychet
- National Synchrotron Light Source-II, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York 11973, United States
| | - Mikhail Zhernenkov
- National Synchrotron Light Source-II, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York 11973, United States
| | - Lara A. Estroff
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
- Kavli Institute at Cornell for Nanoscale Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - Ulrich B. Wiesner
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
- Kavli Institute at Cornell for Nanoscale Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
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20
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Hilgeroth PS, Thümmler JF, Binder WH. 3D Printing of Triamcinolone Acetonide in Triblock Copolymers of Styrene–Isobutylene–Styrene as a Slow-Release System. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14183742. [PMID: 36145892 PMCID: PMC9504042 DOI: 10.3390/polym14183742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Additive manufacturing has a wide range of applications and has opened up new methods of drug formulation, in turn achieving attention in medicine. We prepared styrene–isobutylene–styrene triblock copolymers (SIBS; Mn = 10 kDa–25 kDa, PDI 1,3–1,6) as a drug carrier for triamcinolone acetonide (TA), further processed by fused deposition modeling to create a solid drug release system displaying improved bioavailability and applicability. Living carbocationic polymerization was used to exert control over block length and polymeric architecture. Thermorheological properties of the SIBS polymer (22.3 kDa, 38 wt % S) were adjusted to the printability of SIBS/TA mixtures (1–5% of TA), generating an effective release system effective for more than 60 days. Continuous drug release and morphological investigations were conducted to probe the influence of the 3D printing process on the drug release, enabling 3D printing as a formulation method for a slow-release system of Triamcinolone.
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21
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Panda AS, Lee YC, Hung CJ, Liu KP, Chang CY, Manesi GM, Avgeropoulos A, Tseng FG, Chen FR, Ho RM. Vacuum-Driven Orientation of Nanostructured Diblock Copolymer Thin Films. ACS NANO 2022; 16:12686-12694. [PMID: 35905494 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c04368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This work aims to demonstrate a facile method for the controlled orientation of nanostructures of block copolymer (BCP) thin films. A simple diblock copolymer system, polystyrene-block-polydimethylsiloxane (PS-b-PDMS), is chosen to demonstrate vacuum-driven orientation for solving the notorious low-surface-energy problem of silicon-based BCP nanopatterning. By taking advantage of the pressure dependence of the surface tension of polymeric materials, a neutral air surface for the PS-b-PDMS thin film can be formed under a high vacuum degree (∼10-4 Pa), allowing the formation of the film-spanning perpendicular cylinders and lamellae upon thermal annealing. In contrast to perpendicular lamellae, a long-range lateral order for forming perpendicular cylinders can be efficiently achieved through the self-alignment mechanism for induced ordering from the top and bottom of the free-standing thin film.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aum Sagar Panda
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chien Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Jung Hung
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan
- Department of Engineering and System Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan
| | - Kang-Ping Liu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Yen Chang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan
| | - Gkreti-Maria Manesi
- Department of Materials Science Engineering, University of Ioannina, University Campus, Ioannina 45110, Greece
| | - Apostolos Avgeropoulos
- Department of Materials Science Engineering, University of Ioannina, University Campus, Ioannina 45110, Greece
| | - Fan-Gang Tseng
- Department of Engineering and System Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan
| | - Fu-Rong Chen
- Department of Engineering and System Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Rong-Ming Ho
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan
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22
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Yun HS, Kim DH, Kwon HG, Choi HK. Centrifugal Force-Induced Alignment in the Self-Assembly of Block Copolymers. Macromolecules 2022. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.2c00325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Su Yun
- Division of Advanced Materials Engineering, Kongju National University, Cheonan 31080, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Hwan Kim
- Division of Advanced Materials Engineering, Kongju National University, Cheonan 31080, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong Gu Kwon
- Division of Advanced Materials Engineering, Kongju National University, Cheonan 31080, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong Kyoon Choi
- Center for Advanced Materials and Parts of Powder, Kongju National University, Cheonan 31080, Republic of Korea
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23
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Gold nanoparticle arrays organized in mixed patterns through directed self-assembly of ultrathin block copolymer films on topographic substrates. POLYMER 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2022.124727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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24
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Murphy JG, Raybin JG, Sibener SJ. Correlating polymer structure, dynamics, and function with atomic force microscopy. JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/pol.20210321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Julia G. Murphy
- The James Franck Institute and Department of Chemistry The University of Chicago Chicago Illinois USA
| | - Jonathan G. Raybin
- The James Franck Institute and Department of Chemistry The University of Chicago Chicago Illinois USA
| | - Steven J. Sibener
- The James Franck Institute and Department of Chemistry The University of Chicago Chicago Illinois USA
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25
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Hong JW, Chang JH, Hung HH, Liao YP, Jian YQ, Chang ICY, Huang TY, Nelson A, Lin IM, Chiang YW, Sun YS. Chain Length Effects of Added Homopolymers on the Phase Behavior in Blend Films of a Symmetric, Weakly Segregated Polystyrene- block-poly(methyl methacrylate). Macromolecules 2022. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.1c02167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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
| | - Hsiang-Ho Hung
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, National Central University, Taoyuan 32001, Taiwan
| | - Yin-Ping Liao
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, National Central University, Taoyuan 32001, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Qing Jian
- 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
| | - Tzu-Yen Huang
- National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center, Hsinchu 30076, Taiwan
| | - Andrew Nelson
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, NSW 2232, Australia
| | - I-Ming Lin
- Department of Materials and Optoelectronic Science, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan
| | - Yeo-Wan Chiang
- Department of Materials and Optoelectronic Science, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Sen Sun
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, National Central University, Taoyuan 32001, Taiwan
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26
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Zhang H, Clothier GK, Guimarães TR, Kita R, Zetterlund PB, Okamura Y. Tuning phase separation morphology in blend thin films using well-defined linear (multi)block copolymers. POLYMER 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2021.124466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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27
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Zhao F, Xu Z, Li W. Self-Assembly of Asymmetric Diblock Copolymers under the Spherical Confinement. Macromolecules 2021. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.1c02250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fengmei Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Key Laboratory of Computational Physical Sciences, Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Zhanwen Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Key Laboratory of Computational Physical Sciences, Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Weihua Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Key Laboratory of Computational Physical Sciences, Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
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28
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Burg O, Sanguramath RA, Michman E, Eren N, Popov I, Shenhar R. Periodic nanowire arrays with alternating compositions and structures fabricated using a simultaneous nanowire formation step. SOFT MATTER 2021; 17:9937-9943. [PMID: 34693421 DOI: 10.1039/d1sm01313k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Arrays of alternating metallic nanostructures present hybrid properties, which are useful for applications in photonics and catalysis. Block copolymer films provide versatile templates for fabricating periodic arrays of nanowires. Yet, creating arrays with alternating compositions or structures requires different modifications of domains of the same kind. By controlling the penetration depth of metal precursors into the film we were able to impregnate different layers of copolymer cylinders with different metals. Capitalizing on the hexagonal packing of the cylinders led to simultaneous formation of nanowires with alternating compositions and periodic arrangement on the substrate after plasma etching. Selective deposition of nanoparticles on the film enabled creating alternating bare and decorated nanowires, as well as trimetallic nanowire arrays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ofer Burg
- The Institute of Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel.
- The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Rajashekharayya A Sanguramath
- The Institute of Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel.
- The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Elisheva Michman
- The Institute of Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel.
- The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Noga Eren
- The Institute of Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel.
- The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Inna Popov
- The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Roy Shenhar
- The Institute of Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel.
- The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
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29
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Hong JW, Jian YQ, Liao YP, Hung HH, Huang TY, Nelson A, Tsao IY, Wu CM, Sun YS. Distributions of Deuterated Polystyrene Chains in Perforated Layers of Blend Films of a Symmetric Polystyrene -block-poly(methyl methacrylate). LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2021; 37:13046-13058. [PMID: 34696591 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.1c02132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
We have examined the spatial distributions of polymer chains in blend films of weakly segregated polystyrene-block-poly(methyl methacrylate) [P(S-b-MMA)] and deuterated polystyrene (dPS). By fine-tuning the composition (ϕPS+dPS = 63.8 vol %) of the total PS/dPS component and annealing temperature (230 and 270 °C), P(S-b-MMA)/dPS blend films mainly form perforated layers with a parallel orientation (hereafter PLs//). The distributions of dPS in PLs// were probed by grazing-incidence small-angle neutron scattering (GISANS) and time-of-flight neutron reflectivity (ToF-NR). GISANS and ToF-NR results offer evidence that dPS chains preferentially locate at the free surface and within the PS layers for blend films that were annealed at 230 °C. Upon annealing at 270 °C, dPS chains distribute within PS layers and perforated PMMA layers. Nevertheless, dPS chains still retain a surface preference for thin films. In contrast, such surface segregation of dPS chains is prohibited for thick films when annealed at 270 °C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Wen Hong
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, National Central University, Taoyuan 32001, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Qing Jian
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, National Central University, Taoyuan 32001, Taiwan
| | - Yin-Ping Liao
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, National Central University, Taoyuan 32001, Taiwan
| | - Hsiang-Ho Hung
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, National Central University, Taoyuan 32001, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Yen Huang
- National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center, Hsinchu 30076, Taiwan
| | - Andrew Nelson
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, NSW 2232, Australia
| | - I-Yu Tsao
- Institute of Materials Science and Engineering, National Central University, Taoyuan 32001, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Ming Wu
- National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center, Hsinchu 30076, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Sen Sun
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, National Central University, Taoyuan 32001, Taiwan
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30
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Ho K, Kim KS, de Beer S, Walker GC. Chemical Composition and Strain at Interfaces between Different Morphologies in Block Copolymer Thin Films. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2021; 37:12723-12731. [PMID: 34693716 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.1c02169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Transitional composition between two thin-film morphologies of the block copolymer, polystyrene-block-poly(tert-butyl acrylate) (PS-b-PtBuA), was investigated using near-field infrared spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy mechanical measurements. These techniques allowed block identification with nanoscale spatial resolution and elucidated the material's sub-surface composition. PS was found to form coronae around the PtBuA block in spherical valleys on flat areas of the film, and coronae of PtBuA surrounding the PS lamellae were observed at the edge of the polymer film, where parallel lamellae are formed. Furthermore, we found that the peak position and width varied by location, which may be a result of block composition, chain tension, or substrate interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Ho
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Kris S Kim
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Sissi de Beer
- Sustainable Polymer Chemistry, Department of Molecules & Materials, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, Enschede 7500 AE, The Netherlands
| | - Gilbert C Walker
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
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31
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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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32
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Yuan J, Liu X, Wang Y, Zeng G, Li G, Dong XH, Wen T. Confined Self-Assemblies of Chiral Block Copolymers in Thin Films. ACS Macro Lett 2021; 10:1300-1305. [PMID: 35549051 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.1c00458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Self-assembly of chiral block copolymers (BCPs*) can give rise to ordered chiral nanostructures, that is, a helical phase (H* phase), via chirality transfer from the molecular level to mesoscale. In the present work, we reported the self-assembly of BCPs* under one-dimensional spatial confinement. The morphological dependence of self-assembled BCPs* on the molecular weights and the film thickness was investigated. As chiral nanostructures, the H* phase can be formed in bulk, nonchiral nanostructures that were observed in the thin films. Also, the topology effect of self-assembly of BCPs* was examined. The self-assembly of BCPs* with a star-shaped topology exhibited a distinct morphology compared with that of linear BCPs*. The present work provides new insight into the chirality transfer of macromolecules under spatial confinement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Yuan
- South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School of Molecular Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional and Intelligent Hybrid Materials and Devices, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Xiang Liu
- South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School of Molecular Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional and Intelligent Hybrid Materials and Devices, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Yingying Wang
- South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School of Molecular Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional and Intelligent Hybrid Materials and Devices, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Guangjian Zeng
- South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School of Molecular Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional and Intelligent Hybrid Materials and Devices, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Gang Li
- Department of Ecology and Environment, Yuzhang Normal University, Nanchang 330103, China
| | - Xue-Hui Dong
- South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School of Molecular Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional and Intelligent Hybrid Materials and Devices, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Tao Wen
- South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School of Molecular Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional and Intelligent Hybrid Materials and Devices, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
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33
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Zhong Y, Seeberger D, Herzig EM, Köhler A, Panzer F, Li C, Huettner S. The Impact of Solvent Vapor on the Film Morphology and Crystallization Kinetics of Lead Halide Perovskites during Annealing. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:45365-45374. [PMID: 34542261 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c09075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
One of the key factors for the remarkable improvements of halide perovskite solar cells over the last few years is the increased control over perovskite crystallinity and its thin film morphology. Among various processing methods, solvent vapor-assisted annealing (SVAA) has proven to be promising in achieving high-quality perovskite films. However, a comprehensive understanding of the perovskite crystallization process during SVAA is still lacking. In this work, we use a home-built setup to precisely control the SVAA conditions to investigate in detail the perovskite crystallization kinetics. By changing the solvent vapor concentration during annealing, the perovskite grain size can be tuned from 200 nm to several micrometers. We monitor the crystallization kinetics during solvent-free annealing and SVAA using in situ grazing incidence wide-angle X-ray scattering, where we find a diminished perovskite growth rate and the formation of low dimensional perovskite at the top of the perovskite layer during SVAA. Scanning electron microscopy images of the final films further suggest that the perovskite growth follows an Ostwald ripening process at higher solvent concentrations. Thus, our results will contribute to achieve a more targeted processing of perovskite films.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhong
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstr. 30, Bayreuth 95440, Germany
- Soft Matter Optoelectronics, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstr. 30, Bayreuth 95440, Germany
- Institute of Novel Semiconductors, State Key Laboratory of Crystal Materials, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Dominik Seeberger
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstr. 30, Bayreuth 95440, Germany
| | - Eva M Herzig
- Dynamics and Structure Formation, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstr.30, Bayreuth 95440, Germany
| | - Anna Köhler
- Soft Matter Optoelectronics, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstr. 30, Bayreuth 95440, Germany
- Bavarian Polymer Institute and Bayreuth Institute of Macromolecular Research, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstr.30, Bayreuth 95440, Germany
| | - Fabian Panzer
- Soft Matter Optoelectronics, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstr. 30, Bayreuth 95440, Germany
| | - Cheng Li
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstr. 30, Bayreuth 95440, Germany
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
- Future Display Institute of Xiamen, Xiamen 361005, P. R. China
| | - Sven Huettner
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstr. 30, Bayreuth 95440, Germany
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34
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Saito M, Ito K, Yokoyama H. Mechanical Properties of Ultrathin Polystyrene- b-Polybutadiene- b-Polystyrene Block Copolymer Films: Film Thickness-Dependent Young’s Modulus. Macromolecules 2021. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.1c01406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Masayuki Saito
- Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8561, Japan
| | - Kohzo Ito
- Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8561, Japan
| | - Hideaki Yokoyama
- Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8561, Japan
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35
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Luo L, Tang Z, Yang W, Liu D, Shen Z, Fan XH. Thickness-Dependent Photo-Aligned Thin-Film Morphologies of a Block Copolymer Containing an Azobenzene-Based Liquid Crystalline Polymer and a Poly(ionic liquid). LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2021; 37:9774-9784. [PMID: 34342997 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.1c01314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Photo-induced alignment of the thin-film morphologies of azobenzene-containing block copolymers (BCPs) is an effective method to obtain a uniaxial pattern of nanocylinders. Although film thickness is an important factor affecting the self-assembly of BCP thin films, the influence of film thickness on the photo-induced alignment of BCP thin-film morphology has never been systematically studied. Herein, we report the thickness-dependent photo-aligned film morphologies of the BCP containing an azobenzene-based liquid crystalline polymer and a poly(ionic liquid) (PIL), with a perfect uniaxial pattern of PIL nanocylinders. For films aligned with the unpolarized light (UPL), the out-of-plane PIL nanocylinders can be obtained in the film with a thickness of only 1L0 (∼30 nm, where L0 is the layer spacing of the hexagonally packed cylinder array), which is far lower than the thickness (more than 4L0) of the thermally annealed film needed to obtain the same morphology. This change is attributed to the orientation effect of UPL on azobenzene mesogens that suppresses the excluded volume effect. For the films aligned with linearly polarized light (LPL), to take advantage of the excluded volume effect to obtain the planar orientation of azobenzene mesogens, the thickness should be controlled to be no more than 3L0 to achieve an in-plane uniaxial alignment of PIL nanocylinders. The above relationship between the morphology and thickness of photo-aligned film eliminates the obstacles encountered in preparing films with well-ordered photo-aligned morphologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longfei Luo
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Zhehao Tang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Weilu Yang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Dong Liu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Zhihao Shen
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Xing-He Fan
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
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36
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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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37
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Jin HM, Park K, Kwon K, Yang GG, Han YS, Kim HS, Kim SO, Jung HT. Wafer-Scale Unidirectional Alignment of Supramolecular Columns on Faceted Surfaces. ACS NANO 2021; 15:11762-11769. [PMID: 34251179 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c02632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The long-range alignment of supramolecular structures must be engineered as a first step toward advanced nanopatterning processes aimed at miniaturizing features to dimensions below 5 nm. This study introduces a facile method of directing the orientation of supramolecular columns over wafer-scale areas using faceted surfaces. Supramolecular columns with features on the sub-5 nm scale were highly aligned in a direction orthogonal to that of the facet patterning on unidirectional and nanoscopic faceted surface patterns. This unidirectional alignment of supramolecular columns is also observed by varying the thickness of the supramolecular film or by altering the dimensions of the facet pattern. The ordering behavior of the supramolecular columns can be attributed to the triangular depth profile of the bottom facet pattern. Furthermore, this directed self-assembly principle allows for the continuous alignment of supramolecular structures across ultralarge distances on flexible patterned substrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeong Min Jin
- Neutron Science Center, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI), 111 Daedeok-daero 989 Beon-Gil, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34057, Republic of Korea
| | - Kangho Park
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
- KAIST Institute for NanoCentury, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Kiok Kwon
- Green Chemistry and Materials Group, Research Institute of Sustainable Manufacturing System, Korea Institute of Industrial Technology, Cheonan 31056, Republic of Korea
| | - Geon Gug Yang
- National Creative Research Initiative Center for Multi-Dimensional Directed Nanoscale Assembly, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Soo Han
- Neutron Science Center, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI), 111 Daedeok-daero 989 Beon-Gil, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34057, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwa Soo Kim
- Neutron Science Center, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI), 111 Daedeok-daero 989 Beon-Gil, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34057, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Ouk Kim
- National Creative Research Initiative Center for Multi-Dimensional Directed Nanoscale Assembly, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Tae Jung
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
- KAIST Institute for NanoCentury, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
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38
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Ginige G, Song Y, Olsen BC, Luber EJ, Yavuz CT, Buriak JM. Solvent Vapor Annealing, Defect Analysis, and Optimization of Self-Assembly of Block Copolymers Using Machine Learning Approaches. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:28639-28649. [PMID: 34100583 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c05056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Self-assembly of block copolymers (BCPs) is an alternative patterning technique that promises high resolution and density multiplication with lower costs. The defectivity of the resulting nanopatterns remains too high for many applications in microelectronics and is exacerbated by small variations of processing parameters, such as film thickness, and fluctuations of solvent vapor pressure and temperature, among others. In this work, a solvent vapor annealing (SVA) flow-controlled system is combined with design of experiments (DOE) and machine learning (ML) approaches. The SVA flow-controlled system enables precise optimization of the conditions of self-assembly of the high Flory-Huggins interaction parameter (χ) hexagonal dot-array forming BCP, poly(styrene-b-dimethylsiloxane) (PS-b-PDMS). The defects within the resulting patterns at various length scales are then characterized and quantified. The results show that the defectivity of the resulting nanopatterned surfaces is highly dependent upon very small variations of the initial film thicknesses of the BCP, as well as the degree of swelling under the SVA conditions. These parameters also significantly contribute to the quality of the resulting pattern with respect to grain coarsening, as well as the formation of different macroscale phases (single and double layers and wetting layers). The results of qualitative and quantitative defect analyses are then compiled into a single figure of merit (FOM) and are mapped across the experimental parameter space using ML approaches, which enable the identification of the narrow region of optimum conditions for SVA for a given BCP. The result of these analyses is a faster and less resource intensive route toward the production of low-defectivity BCP dot arrays via rational determination of the ideal combination of processing factors. The DOE and machine learning-enabled approach is generalizable to the scale-up of self-assembly-based nanopatterning for applications in electronic microfabrication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayashani Ginige
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, 11227-Saskatchewan Drive, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - Youngdong Song
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Brian C Olsen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, 11227-Saskatchewan Drive, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - Erik J Luber
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, 11227-Saskatchewan Drive, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - Cafer T Yavuz
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
- KAUST Catalysis Center (KCC), Physical Sciences and Engineering (PSE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
- Advanced Membranes and Porous Materials Center (AMPM), Physical Sciences and Engineering (PSE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jillian M Buriak
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, 11227-Saskatchewan Drive, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2, Canada
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39
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Liu Z, Wang Z, Yin Y, Jiang R, Li B. A simulation study of the self-assembly of ABC star terpolymers confined between two parallel surfaces. SOFT MATTER 2021; 17:5336-5348. [PMID: 33950058 DOI: 10.1039/d1sm00271f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The phase behavior of ABC star terpolymers confined between two identical parallel surfaces is systematically studied using a simulated annealing method. Several phase diagrams are constructed for systems with different bulk phases or with different interfacial interaction strength ratios in the space of surface distance (D) and surface preference for different arms, or in the space of D and the arm-length ratio x. Phases, including tiling patterns [6.6.6], [8.8.4], [8.6.6; 8.6.4], [8.6.6; 8.6.4; 10.6.6; 10.6.4] and hierarchical lamellar structures of lamella + cylinders and lamella + rods, are identified both in the bulk and in the films. Our results suggest that the self-assembled structure of a phase is largely controlled by x, while an increase of the interfacial interaction strength ratio shifts the x-window for each phase to the smaller x side. The orientation of a confined phase depends on the "effective surface preference" which is a combined effect of the interfacial interaction strength ratio, the surface preference, and the entropic preference. In the case of neutral or weak "effective surface preference", phases with a perpendicular orientation are usually observed, while in the case of strong "effective surface preference" phases with a perpendicular orientation or also with outermost wetting-layers can be frequently observed under some circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyao Liu
- School of Physics, Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education, Nankai University, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin, 300071, China.
| | - Zheng Wang
- School of Physics, Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education, Nankai University, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin, 300071, China.
| | - Yuhua Yin
- School of Physics, Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education, Nankai University, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin, 300071, China.
| | - Run Jiang
- School of Physics, Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education, Nankai University, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin, 300071, China.
| | - Baohui Li
- School of Physics, Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education, Nankai University, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin, 300071, China.
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40
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Gottlieb S, Pigard L, Ryu YK, Lorenzoni M, Evangelio L, Fernández-Regúlez M, Rawlings CD, Spieser M, Perez-Murano F, Müller M, Knoll AW. Thermal Imaging of Block Copolymers with Sub-10 nm Resolution. ACS NANO 2021; 15:9005-9016. [PMID: 33938722 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c01820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Thermal silicon probes have demonstrated their potential to investigate the thermal properties of various materials at high resolution. However, a thorough assessment of the achievable resolution is missing. Here, we present a probe-based thermal-imaging technique capable of providing sub-10 nm lateral resolution at a sub-10 ms pixel rate. We demonstrate the resolution by resolving microphase-separated PS-b-PMMA block copolymers that self-assemble in 11 to 19 nm half-period lamellar structures. We resolve an asymmetry in the heat flux signal at submolecular dimensions and assess the ratio of heat flux into both polymers in various geometries. These observations are quantitatively compared with coarse-grained molecular simulations of energy transport that reveal an enhancement of transport along the macromolecular backbone and a Kapitza resistance at the internal interfaces of the self-assembled structure. This comparison discloses a tip-sample contact radius of a ≈ 4 nm and identifies combinations of enhanced intramolecular transport and Kapitza resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Gottlieb
- Instituto de Microelectrónica de Barcelona (IMB-CNM, CSIC), Carrer dels Tillers s/n, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Louis Pigard
- Institute for Theoretical Physics, Georg-August-University, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Yu Kyoung Ryu
- IBM Research - Zurich, Säumerstrasse 4, 8803 Rüschlikon, Switzerland
| | - Matteo Lorenzoni
- Instituto de Microelectrónica de Barcelona (IMB-CNM, CSIC), Carrer dels Tillers s/n, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Evangelio
- Instituto de Microelectrónica de Barcelona (IMB-CNM, CSIC), Carrer dels Tillers s/n, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Fernández-Regúlez
- Instituto de Microelectrónica de Barcelona (IMB-CNM, CSIC), Carrer dels Tillers s/n, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Colin D Rawlings
- IBM Research - Zurich, Säumerstrasse 4, 8803 Rüschlikon, Switzerland
| | - Martin Spieser
- SwissLitho AG, Technoparkstrasse 1, 8805 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Francesc Perez-Murano
- Instituto de Microelectrónica de Barcelona (IMB-CNM, CSIC), Carrer dels Tillers s/n, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marcus Müller
- Institute for Theoretical Physics, Georg-August-University, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Armin W Knoll
- IBM Research - Zurich, Säumerstrasse 4, 8803 Rüschlikon, Switzerland
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41
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Aviv Y, Altay E, Burg O, Müller M, Rzayev J, Shenhar R. Bottlebrush Block Copolymer Assembly in Ultraconfined Films: Effect of Substrate Selectivity. Macromolecules 2021. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.0c02057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yaron Aviv
- Institute of Chemistry and the Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Esra Altay
- Department of Chemistry, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York 14260-3000, United States
| | - Ofer Burg
- Institute of Chemistry and the Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Marcus Müller
- Institute for Theoretical Physics, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Friedrich-Hund-Platz 1, Göttingen 37077, Germany
| | - Javid Rzayev
- Department of Chemistry, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York 14260-3000, United States
| | - Roy Shenhar
- Institute of Chemistry and the Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
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42
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Ogawa H, Takenaka M, Miyazaki T. Molecular Weight Effect on the Transition Processes of a Symmetric PS- b-P2VP during Spin-Coating. Macromolecules 2021. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.0c01567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Ogawa
- Institute for Chemical Research, Kyoto University, Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan
- Riken SPring-8 Center, 1-1-1 Kouto, Sayo, Hyogo 679-5148, Japan
| | - Mikihito Takenaka
- Institute for Chemical Research, Kyoto University, Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan
- Riken SPring-8 Center, 1-1-1 Kouto, Sayo, Hyogo 679-5148, Japan
| | - Tsukasa Miyazaki
- Comprehensive Research Organization for Science and Society, Shirakata, Tokai, Ibaraki 319-1106, Japan
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43
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Sun CH, Septani CM, Sun YS. Direct Access to Bowl-Like Nanostructures with Block Copolymer Anisotropic Truncated Microspheres. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2021; 37:636-645. [PMID: 33395300 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.0c02298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Bowl-like nanostructures have attracted significant scientific and technological interest due to their favorable characteristics, such as high specific surface area, interconnected porous channels, and conductivity. However, tailored synthesis of bowl-like nanostructures with well-defined and uniform morphology is still a challenge. Herein, we report a versatile microemulsion assembly approach to prepare bowl-like nanostructures of three different materials: polymer, carbon, and platinum. To this end, polystyrene-block-poly(4vinylpyridine), PS-b-P4VP, block copolymer (BCP) microparticles with truncated-sphere shape and composed of stacks of parallel lamellae were used because those anisotropic microparticles play an important role in the design of bowl-like nanostructures. To form nanolamellae-within-microparticle morphology, a designed PS-b-P4VP/chloroform/CTAB microemulsion can be facilely obtained in the aqueous medium, where the morphology can be tailored by the interplay between macro-phase separations, BCP self-assembly, and interfacial energies of three phases in the presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). Finally, protonation or combination of cross-linking and pyrolysis of those truncated microparticles enables formation of polymer or carbon bowl-like nanostructures, respectively. Upon selective adsorption of Pt precursor salt ions with the pyridyl moieties followed by chemical reduction, subsequent calcination permits the synthesis of Pt bowl-like nanostructures. The microemulsion assembly approach opens up new ways to direct and template bowl-like nanostructures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Hao Sun
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, National Central University, Taoyuan 32001, Taiwan
| | - Cindy Mutiara Septani
- 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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44
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Mahalik JP, Li W, Savici AT, Hahn S, Lauter H, Ambaye H, Sumpter BG, Lauter V, Kumar R. Dispersity-Driven Stabilization of Coexisting Morphologies in Asymmetric Diblock Copolymer Thin Films. Macromolecules 2020. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.0c01722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jyoti P. Mahalik
- Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States
- Department of Mathematics, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37916, United States
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01002, United States
| | - Wei Li
- Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States
- Computational Sciences and Engineering Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37916, United States
| | - Andrei T. Savici
- Neutron Scattering Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States
| | - Steven Hahn
- Neutron Scattering Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States
| | - Hans Lauter
- Neutron Scattering Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States
| | - Haile Ambaye
- Neutron Scattering Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States
| | - Bobby G. Sumpter
- Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States
- Computational Sciences and Engineering Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States
| | - Valeria Lauter
- Neutron Scattering Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States
| | - Rajeev Kumar
- Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States
- Computational Sciences and Engineering Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States
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45
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Tu KH, Huang H, Lee S, Lee W, Sun Z, Alexander-Katz A, Ross CA. Machine Learning Predictions of Block Copolymer Self-Assembly. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2020; 32:e2005713. [PMID: 33206426 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202005713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Directed self-assembly of block copolymers is a key enabler for nanofabrication of devices with sub-10 nm feature sizes, allowing patterning far below the resolution limit of conventional photolithography. Among all the process steps involved in block copolymer self-assembly, solvent annealing plays a dominant role in determining the film morphology and pattern quality, yet the interplay of the multiple parameters during solvent annealing, including the initial thickness, swelling, time, and solvent ratio, makes it difficult to predict and control the resultant self-assembled pattern. Here, machine learning tools are applied to analyze the solvent annealing process and predict the effect of process parameters on morphology and defectivity. Two neural networks are constructed and trained, yielding accurate prediction of the final morphology in agreement with experimental data. A ridge regression model is constructed to identify the critical parameters that determine the quality of line/space patterns. These results illustrate the potential of machine learning to inform nanomanufacturing processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun-Hua Tu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Hejin Huang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Sangho Lee
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Wonmoo Lee
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Zehao Sun
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Alfredo Alexander-Katz
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Caroline A Ross
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
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46
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Dispersity effects on phase behavior and structural evolution in ultrathin films of a deuterated polystyrene-block-poly(methyl methacrylate) diblock copolymer. POLYMER 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2020.123027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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47
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Zhang H, Wang B, Wang G, Shen C, Chen J, Reiter G, Zhang B. Dewetting-Induced Alignment and Ordering of Cylindrical Mesophases in Thin Block Copolymer Films. Macromolecules 2020. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.0c01233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Heng Zhang
- School of Materials Science & Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, P. R. China
| | - Binghua Wang
- School of Materials Science & Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, P. R. China
| | - Gang Wang
- School of Materials Science & Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, P. R. China
| | - Changyu Shen
- School of Materials Science & Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, P. R. China
| | - Jingbo Chen
- School of Materials Science & Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, P. R. China
| | - Günter Reiter
- Institute of Physics, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Bin Zhang
- School of Materials Science & Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, P. R. China
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48
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Kollmetz T, Monteiro A I, Gerrard JA, Malmström J. Polystyrene- block-poly(ethylene oxide) Thin Films Fabricated from a Solvent Mixture for the Co-Assembly of Polymers and Proteins. ACS OMEGA 2020; 5:26365-26373. [PMID: 33110964 PMCID: PMC7581074 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.0c02392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The co-assembly of peptides and proteins in poly(styrene-block-ethylene oxide) (PS-b-PEO) thin films has proven to be a promising method to fabricate polymer-biomolecule functional materials. Contrary to the covalent immobilization of biomolecules on surfaces, co-assembly presents the opportunity to arrange cargo within thin films, which can be released upon exposure to an aqueous environment. The use of a mixed solvent system ensures the solubilization of hydrophobic polymer as well as the solubilization and protection of the biomolecule cargo. However, to produce largely defect-free films of PS-b-PEO from a solvent mixture containing water is challenging due to the narrow range of solvent miscibility and polymer/protein solubility. This work explores the limits of using a benzene/methanol/water solvent mixture for the production of thin PS-b-PEO films and provides a template for the fabrication optimization of block copolymer thin films in different complex solvent systems. The film quality is analyzed using optical microscopy and atomic force microscopy and correlated to the solvent composition. By adjusting the solvent composition to 80/18.8/1.2 vol % benzene/methanol/water, it was possible to reliably fabricate thin films with less than 1% macroscopic defect surface coverage. Using the optimized solvent composition, we also demonstrate the fabrication of ordered PS-b-PEO films containing lysozyme. Furthermore, we show the release of lysozyme into aqueous media, which highlights the potential use of such films for drug delivery applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarek Kollmetz
- Department
of Chemical and Materials Engineering, The
University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
- The
MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Wellington 6140, New Zealand
| | - Isabela Monteiro A
- Department
of Chemical and Materials Engineering, The
University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
- The
MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Wellington 6140, New Zealand
| | - Juliet A. Gerrard
- The
MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Wellington 6140, New Zealand
- School
of Biological Sciences, The University of
Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
- School
of Chemical Sciences, The University of
Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Jenny Malmström
- Department
of Chemical and Materials Engineering, The
University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
- The
MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Wellington 6140, New Zealand
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49
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Gu X, Li W. Impact of Thin-Film Confinement on the Packing of Low-Coordinate Spheres in Bulk. Macromolecules 2020. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.0c01635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xueying Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Key Laboratory of Computational Physical Sciences, Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 2004338, China
| | - Weihua Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Key Laboratory of Computational Physical Sciences, Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 2004338, China
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50
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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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