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Dip-Coating Fabrication of All-Polymer Multilayer Photonic Crystals through 3D Printer Conversion
Martina Martusciello1, Coralie Hervieu1,2, Daniela Di Fonzo1
1Dipartimento di Chimica e Chimica Industriale, Università di Genova, via Dodecaneso 31, 16146 Genova, Italy.
ACS Applied Polymer Materials
|May 1, 2025
Summary
Researchers repurposed a 3D printer for dip-coating, creating polymer thin films for photonic devices. This cost-effective method fabricates precise photonic nanostructures, offering a flexible alternative for laboratory-scale production.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Photonics
- Polymer Science
Background:
- Dip-coating is vital for producing polymer thin films and coatings.
- It offers simplicity, adaptability, and precision for consistent, reproducible results.
- Photonics applications benefit from these thin films.
Purpose of the Study:
- To convert a fused deposition modeling 3D printer into a dip-coating system.
- To fabricate multilayered photonic crystals using this modified system.
- To demonstrate a cost-effective and flexible alternative to commercial dip-coaters.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a commercial 3D printer adapted for dip-coating.
- Fabricated distributed Bragg reflectors and a fluorescence planar microcavity.
- Employed a perfluorinated polymer, poly(N-vinylcarbazole), and fluorescent polystyrene.
Main Results:
- Achieved precise control over deposition parameters for uniform photonic nanostructures.
- Demonstrated fabrication of distributed Bragg reflectors and a fluorescence planar microcavity.
- Obtained spectral redistribution of fluorescence comparable to spin-coated photonic crystals.
Conclusions:
- Repurposing a 3D printer for dip-coating is feasible for fabricating planar photonic structures.
- This approach offers a cheaper, more flexible alternative for laboratory-scale production.
- The method has potential for scaling up to larger surface areas.
