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Vapor Deposition of Silicon-Containing Microstructured Polymer Films onto Silicone Oil Substrates
Nicholas A Welchert1, Bryan Nguyen1, Theodore T Tsotsis1
1Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Southern California, 925 Bloom Walk, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States.
Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids
|November 18, 2021
Summary
This study demonstrates initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD) of silicon-containing polymers onto silicone oil. The resulting films show tunable microstructure and composition, useful for advanced membrane fabrication.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD) is a versatile technique for thin film fabrication.
- Silicon-containing polymers offer unique properties for membrane applications.
- Deposition onto liquid substrates presents unique challenges and opportunities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the iCVD of a novel silicon-containing cross-linked polymer, poly(1,3,5,7-tetravinyl-1,3,5,7-tetramethylcyclotetrasiloxane-co-ethylene glycol diacrylate) (p(V4D4-co-EGDA)), onto silicone oil.
- To analyze the effect of monomer feed ratio on film composition and morphology.
- To explore the potential of these films as precursors for silicon-based inorganic membranes.
Main Methods:
- Initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD) was employed to deposit p(V4D4-co-EGDA) onto silicone oil.
- Systematic variation of the V4D4 to EGDA feed flow rate ratio.
- Analysis of film composition and morphology using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
Main Results:
- Microstructured polymer films were successfully deposited onto silicone oil, a novel achievement.
- Film porosity and thickness increased with higher V4D4 content.
- Films exhibited heterogeneous chemical composition, with higher silicon content at the top surface.
Conclusions:
- The study presents the first successful iCVD of a silicon-containing polymer film onto silicone oil.
- The tunable properties of these films make them suitable precursors for silicon-based inorganic membranes.
- Potential applications include hydrogen production membranes, utilizing silicone oil to prevent monomer infiltration.
