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Nanoimprint-induced molecular orientation in semiconducting polymer nanostructures
Htay Hlaing1, Xinhui Lu, Tommy Hofmann
1Condensed Matter Physics and Materials Science Department, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York 11973, USA.
ACS Nano
|August 16, 2011
Summary
Nanoimprinting polymer thin films with grooves altered their morphology and orientation. This induced polymer alignment persisted even when the imprinted features disappeared at higher temperatures.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) thin films are crucial for organic electronics.
- Film morphology and molecular orientation significantly impact device performance.
- Controlling these parameters is key to advancing organic electronic applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of nanoimprinting on P3HT thin film morphology and orientation.
- To understand the stability of imprinting-induced structural changes.
- To explore the potential for enhancing electronic and photovoltaic device performance.
Main Methods:
- Nanoimprinting with 100 nm spaced grooves was employed to pattern P3HT thin films.
- Grazing-incidence small-angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS) was used to assess pattern transfer fidelity.
- Wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) was utilized to analyze polymer reorientation and backbone alignment.
- Temperature-dependent scattering measurements were performed to evaluate the stability of induced structures.
Main Results:
- Nanoimprinting successfully transferred the 100 nm groove pattern to the P3HT films with high fidelity.
- Imprinting induced significant polymer backbone alignment and pi-pi reorientation along the groove direction.
- The imprinted-induced orientation and alignment were remarkably stable, persisting even at temperatures where topographical features diminished.
Conclusions:
- Nanoimprinting is an effective technique for controlling the morphology and molecular orientation of P3HT thin films.
- The observed stability of the induced polymer alignment offers a pathway for robust device fabrication.
- This controlled alignment has significant implications for improving the performance of organic electronic and photovoltaic devices.
