9 research outputs found
Directed Self-Assembly of Diamond Networks in Triblock Terpolymer Films on Patterned Substrates
Block copolymers (BCPs) are particularly effective in
creating
soft nanostructured templates for transferring complex 3D network
structures into inorganic materials that are difficult to fabricate
by other methods. However, achieving control of the local ordering
within these 3D networks over large areas remains a significant obstacle
to advancing material properties. Here, we address this challenge
by directing the self-assembly of a 3D alternating diamond morphology
by solvent vapor annealing of a triblock terpolymer film on a chemically
patterned substrate. The hexagonal substrate patterns were designed
to match a (111) plane of the diamond lattice. Commensurability between
the sparse substrate pattern and the BCP lattice produced a uniformly
ordered diamond network within the polymer film, as confirmed by a
combination of atomic force microscopy and cross-sectional imaging
using focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy. The successful
replication of the complex and well-ordered 3D network structure in
gold promises to advance optical metamaterials and has potential applications
in nanophotonics