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Directed Self-Assembly of Diamond Networks in Triblock Terpolymer Films on Patterned Substrates.
Doha Abdelrahman1, René Iseli1, Michimasa Musya2
1Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|November 21, 2023
Summary
Researchers directed block copolymer self-assembly to create ordered 3D nanostructures. This breakthrough enables precise fabrication of advanced materials for optical metamaterials and nanophotonics.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Block copolymers (BCPs) are crucial for templating 3D nanostructures in inorganic materials.
- Controlling local ordering in these 3D networks over large areas is a major challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To direct the self-assembly of a 3D alternating diamond morphology in block copolymers.
- To achieve large-area control over local ordering within these nanostructured templates.
Main Methods:
- Utilized solvent vapor annealing of a triblock terpolymer film.
- Employed a chemically patterned substrate with hexagonal patterns matching the diamond lattice (111) plane.
- Characterized the resulting polymer film using atomic force microscopy and focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy.
Main Results:
- Achieved a uniformly ordered 3D diamond network within the polymer film.
- Demonstrated commensurability between the substrate pattern and the BCP lattice for directed self-assembly.
- Successfully replicated the ordered 3D network structure in gold.
Conclusions:
- Directed self-assembly of block copolymers offers a viable method for fabricating complex 3D nanostructures.
- The developed technique enables precise control over local ordering for advanced material fabrication.
- The replicated gold structures show promise for optical metamaterials and nanophotonics applications.
