Journal Article

PUBDB-2024-05481

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png A Pathway Toward Sub-10 nm Surface Nanostructures Utilizing Block Copolymer Crystallization Control

Meinhardt, A. (Corresponding author)DESY* ; Qi, P.Extern* ; Maximov, I. ; Keller, T. F. (Corresponding author)XFEL.EU*DESY*

2025
Wiley-VCH Weinheim

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1002/admi.202400661  doi:10.3204/PUBDB-2024-05481

Abstract: It is elucidated how crystallization can be used to create lateral surface nanostructures in a size regime toward sub-10 nm using molecular self-assembly of short chain crystallizable block copolymers (BCP) and assist in overcoming the high-χ barrier for microphase separation. In this work, an amphiphilic double-crystalline polyethylene-b-polyethylene oxide (PE-b-PEO) block co-oligomer is used. A crystallization mechanism of the short-chain BCP in combination with neutral wetting of the functionalized substrate surface that permits to form edge-on, extended chain crystal lamellae with enhanced thermodynamic stability. In situ atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis along with surface energy considerations suggest that upon cooling from the polymer melt, the PE-b-PEO first forms a segregated horizontal lamellar morphology. AFM analysis indicates that the PEO crystallization triggers a morphological transition involving a rotation of the forming extended chain crystals in edge-on orientation. Exposing their crystal side facets to the top surface permits to minimize their interfacial energy and form vertical nanostructures. Moreover, the edge-on lamellae can be macroscopically aligned by directed self-assembly (DSA), one necessity for various nanotechnological applications. It is believed that the observed mechanism to form stable edge-on lamellae can be transferred to other crystallizable short chain BCPs, providing potential pathways for sub-10 nm nanotechnology.

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Nanolab (FS-NL)

Research Program(s):

1. 632 - Materials – Quantum, Complex and Functional Materials (POF4-632) (POF4-632)
2. NEP - Nanoscience Foundries and Fine Analysis - Europe|PILOT (101007417) (101007417)
3. HIRS-0018 - Helmholtz-Lund International School - Intelligent instrumentation for exploring matter at different time and length scales (HELIOS) (2020_HIRS-0018) (2020_HIRS-0018)

Experiment(s):

1. DESY NanoLab: Microscopy

Appears in the scientific report 2025

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