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Colloidally templated two-dimensional conducting polymer arrays and SAMs: binary composition patterning and
Roderick B Pernites1, Mary Jane L Felipe, Edward L Foster
1Department of Chemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204-5003, United States.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|March 2, 2011
Summary
This study introduces a novel method for creating patterned surfaces with conducting polymers and self-assembled monolayers (SAMs). The technique allows for precise control over composition and 2D structure, enabling diverse applications in materials science.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Surface Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Patterned surfaces are crucial for advanced materials and devices.
- Controlling the composition and structure of 2D surfaces remains a challenge.
- Conducting polymers and self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) offer unique electronic and chemical properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a facile and versatile method for creating binary-composition, 2D patterned surfaces.
- To combine Langmuir-Blodgett (LB)-like deposition with electropolymerization and self-assembly.
- To precisely control the size, spacing, and composition of patterned features.
Main Methods:
- Langmuir-Blodgett (LB)-like deposition of polystyrene (PS) microspheres in a hexagonal arrangement.
- Cyclic voltammetric (CV) electropolymerization to form a conducting polymer network.
- Self-assembly of amphiphiles to create thiol-based SAMs.
- Electrochemical-quartz crystal microbalance (EC-QCM) for in situ monitoring of film deposition.
Main Results:
- Achieved controlled deposition of PS microspheres, enabling hexagonal packing.
- Successfully integrated LB-like deposition with CV electropolymerization for precise pattern control.
- Quantified linear growth rates and varying viscoelastic behavior during film formation.
- Demonstrated good imaging contrast of the dual-patterned surface using atomic force microscopy (AFM).
- Characterized the patterned surface using XPS, ATR IR, UV-vis, and contact angle measurements.
Conclusions:
- The developed method offers a versatile approach for fabricating binary-composition, 2D patterned surfaces.
- The technique provides control over polymer/SAM composition and feature dimensions.
- This method has potential for creating diverse patterned surfaces for various applications, including polymer brushes and layer-by-layer assemblies.
