Review
Chemistry, Physical
Yilin Liu, Fangfang Ke, Yuanchao Li, Yi Shi, Zhen Zhang, Yongming Chen
Summary: Significant progress has been made in block copolymer self-assembly in the past few decades. With the development of nanoscience and nanotechnology, more complex structures are needed for block copolymer self-assembly based nanoplatforms to meet specific multimodal or multiplexed applications.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Fei Yu, R. Paxton Thedford, Konrad R. Hedderick, Guillaume Freychet, Mikhail Zhernenkov, Lara A. Estroff, Katja C. Nowack, Sol M. Gruner, Ulrich B. Wiesner
Summary: Recent developments in quantum materials have shown promise in revolutionizing energy and information technologies. By utilizing block copolymers and niobia sol precursors, we successfully prepared mesoporous niobium carbonitride thin film superconductors through a scalable solution processing approach. This cost-effective and scalable method holds great potential for integration into existing microelectronics processing, combining the capabilities of soft matter self-assembly with quantum materials.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Jin Yong Shin, Bom Lee, Heo Yeon Lim, Simon Kim, Seong-Jun Jeong
Summary: The proposed TDSA method allows for neutral surface-free vertical orientations of BCP nanopatterns, independent of substrate polarizability, and can generate various morphologies by adjusting trench width and BCP molecular weight. This method has the potential advantage for designing process/device layouts needed for effective manufacturing processes.
Article
Polymer Science
Su Eon Lee, Simon Kim, Jun Hyun Park, Ho Jun Jin, Hwa Soo Kim, Jang Hwan Kim, Hyeong Min Jin, Bong Hoon Kim
Summary: This study demonstrates a novel method to fabricate highly aligned lamellar nanostructures in a millimeter-scale large area by directing the self-assembly of block copolymer (BCP) thin films with a temporary thickness-gradient micropattern via simple two-step thermal annealing. The first step of thermal annealing guides the BCP nanostructure through geometric anchoring, while the second step causes thermal reflow of the height gradient micropattern to flatten it. The shear stress generated by thermal reflow enlarges the grain of the BCP nanostructure, resulting in a highly aligned lamellar pattern over the entire area. Finally, grazing-incidence small-angle x-ray scattering ensures the formation of periodic nanopatterns in large area.
JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Geon Gug Yang, Hee Jae Choi, Kyu Hyo Han, Jang Hwan Kim, Chan Woo Lee, Edwin Ino Jung, Hyeong Min Jin, Sang Ouk Kim
Summary: BCP nanopatterning is a versatile nanoscale fabrication tool with promising applications in semiconductor devices and other fields. Its low cost and straightforward processing enable the formation of dense nanoscale features over large areas, offering advantages over traditional photolithographic processes. This review highlights recent progress in BCP nanopatterning for various nonsemiconductor applications and discusses current limitations and future research directions.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Julian Heuer, Thomas Kuckhoff, Rong Li, Katharina Landfester, Calum T. J. Ferguson
Summary: The production of photocatalytic self-assembled amphiphilic polymers enables selective control over reactions based on the substrate's physical properties. By polymerizing benzothiadiazole-based photocatalysts into hydrophilic or hydrophobic compartments, we achieved stark differences in reactivity for polar substrates but similar performance for hydrophobic substrates. Additionally, the use of secondary swelling solvents led to a significant increase in conversion for a radical carbon-carbon coupling reaction.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Dongyoon Woo, Minkyeong Ban, Jisung Lee, Cheol-Young Park, Jinuk Kim, Seongseop Kim, Jinwoo Lee
Summary: Anisotropic lens-shaped nitrogen-doped carbon material with unidirectionally aligned mesopores was successfully synthesized through perpendicular block copolymer self-assembly at the polymer interface. This novel material shows great potential as a potassium-ion battery anode material, making it a promising candidate for the next-generation battery systems.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Dengwen Hu, Xiaohua Chang, Yutian Zhu
Summary: This review article summarizes the self-assembly process of block copolymers (BCPs) into nanoparticles within emulsion droplets and discusses various strategies and scenarios for tuning the oil/water interface properties and applications of the resulting particles. The future trends and challenges of BCPs confined in emulsion droplets for self-assembly are also suggested.
CHINESE JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Lei Guo, Dingli Xia, Yaping Wang, Shipeng Ding, Junting Xu, Yutian Zhu, Binyang Du
Summary: This study employed a single surfactant CTAB and a series of symmetrical VmS24.2kVm triblock copolymers with different molecular weights of P4VP blocks to fabricate various complex-shaped particles via 3D-SCSA. The external shape and internal morphology of the particles were closely related to the volume fraction of the P4VP block and the concentration of CTAB.
Article
Polymer Science
Yaron Aviv, Esra Altay, Ofer Burg, Marcus Mueller, Javid Rzayev, Roy Shenhar
Summary: The research demonstrates that the nature of the substrate has a significant impact on the self-assembled morphology and surface patterns of bottlebrush block copolymers with different side-chain lengths in films, despite the typical tendency of these polymers to form lamellar structures. By manipulating the substrate chemistry, unique morphologies can be induced in bottlebrush block copolymer films.
Article
Polymer Science
R. Simonutti, D. Bertani, R. Marotta, S. Ferrario, D. Manzone, M. Mauri, M. Gregori, A. Orlando, M. Masserini
Summary: This study investigates the effect of using different common solvents on the self-assembly behavior of block copolymer nanoparticles, finding that the hydrogen bonding ability of the solvent strongly influences the size and shape of the particles, as well as their cytotoxicity.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Guan Wang, Hua Li, Najun Li, Dongyun Chen, Jinghui He, Qingfeng Xu, Jianmei Lu
Summary: In this study, a bifunctional micelle system based on perylene was proposed for efficient, accurate and rapid adsorption and catalytic degradation of low-concentration pollutants. The micelles showed super-fast adsorption, high capacity and selectivity for the target pollutant due to the interactions between perylene moieties. The degradation efficiency of the target pollutant improved significantly after the formation of micelles, primarily because of the superior mass-transfer from adsorption. Additionally, the self-assembly of micelles and the regular π-π stacking of perylene units enhanced the response to visible light, resulting in high catalytic capacity and good cycling stability.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Mingyang Chen, Yuguo Chen, Yanyan Zhu, Ying Jiang, David Andelman, Xingkun Man
Summary: We investigated the influence of chain flexibility on the self-assembly behavior of symmetric diblock copolymers (BCPs) in thin film confinement. Using worm-like chain (WLC) self-consistent field theory, we studied the stability of parallel and perpendicular orientations of BCP lamellar phases under varying chain flexibilities. The results showed that the stability of perpendicular lamellae increases with chain rigidity, except for the case of rigid chains on rough substrates where the stability decreases. We also demonstrated the effect of substrate roughness on the critical value of substrate preference for the transition from perpendicular-to-parallel lamellar phases.
Review
Polymer Science
Ryota Tamate
Summary: Ion gels, filled with ionic liquids, are attracting interest due to their unique properties such as nonflammability, low volatility, and high ionic conductivity. Recent focus has been on the development of self-healing ion gels for enhanced applicability in electrochemical devices.
Article
Polymer Science
Jing-Ye Liu, Hao-Rui Song, Mian Wang, Shao-Hong Jin, Zheng Liang, Xi Mao, Wang Li, Ren-Hua Deng, Jin-Tao Zhu
Summary: We have successfully prepared asymmetric mesoporous carbon microparticles with ordered structures through neutral interface-guided three-dimensional confined self-assembly and self-templated selective direct carbonization strategy. By adjusting the blending ratio of BCP/hP, the shape of MCMPs can be easily tuned. These composite asymmetric MCMPs combine the advantages of asymmetric shape, ordered structure, high specific surface area, chemical inertness, and thermal stability, providing great possibilities for applications in catalysis, drug delivery, energy conversion, and storage.
CHINESE JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Goekalp Engin Akinoglu, Sajjad Husain Mir, Riley Gatensby, Gaulthier Rydzek, Parvaneh Mokarian-Tabari
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2020)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sajjad Husain Mir, P. M. Z. Hasan, Ekram Y. Danish, Mohammad Aslam
COLLOID AND POLYMER SCIENCE
(2020)
Article
Polymer Science
Andrew Selkirk, Nadezda Prochukhan, Ross Lundy, Cian Cummins, Riley Gatensby, Rachel Kilbride, Andrew Parnell, Jhonattan Baez Vasquez, Michael Morris, Parvaneh Mokarian-Tabari
Summary: This study overcomes the kinetic challenges in the self-assembly of UHMW BCPs through precision solvent annealing, resulting in highly ordered large-period lamellar domains. The research reveals that film thickness and solvent concentration significantly affect the domain morphology.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Goekalp Engin Akinoglu, James Andell Hutchison
Summary: Plasmonic bilayers, fabricated by depositing metal on nanopillar or nanocavity arrays, provide an effective solution for industrial scale production of plasmonic templates. These structures consist of a disk array and a quasi-Babinet complementary perforated film, serving as a conductive network and potential platform for studying membrane proteins through spectro-electrochemical investigations.
ECS JOURNAL OF SOLID STATE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Editorial Material
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Sajjad Husain Mir
Summary: Hybrid organic-inorganic nanomaterials have brought new and multifunctional applications in various fields, but the fast discovery of these materials poses a challenge. Machine learning methods can speed up material screening and reduce the chances of errors and misinterpretations.
ECS JOURNAL OF SOLID STATE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Flavien Sciortino, Noelia M. Sanchez-Ballester, Sajjad Husain Mir, Gaulthier Rydzek
Summary: The nanoarchitectonic approach was used for assembling elastomeric membranes with specific adsorption abilities, achieved through covalent crosslinking and functionalization. Tuning the molecular weight and stoichiometric ratio enabled control over mechanical properties, while functionalization with beta-aminocyclodextrins enhanced specific adsorption capabilities for removing aromatic pollutants. The findings were supported by physical-chemical investigations and morphological analysis.
JOURNAL OF INORGANIC AND ORGANOMETALLIC POLYMERS AND MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Ansar Abbas, Chen Zhang, Muhammad Asad, Ahsan Waqas, Asma Khatoon, Sameer Hussain, Sajjad Husain Mir
Summary: Inspired by nature, significant research efforts have been made to discover various biomaterials for biomedical applications, such as drug development and disease diagnosis. Polymers, as bioinspired materials with extreme wettable properties, have received considerable interest due to their multiple applications in areas such as anti-fogging, anti-icing, self-cleaning, oil-water separation, biosensing, and water transportation. Recently, super-wettable surfaces based on polymeric materials have also shown potential in studying biological processes.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Noelia M. Sanchez-Ballester, Flavien Sciortino, Sajjad Husain Mir, Gaulthier Rydzek
Summary: Weak polyelectrolytes offer adjustable properties through pH and ionic strength stimuli, making them key components for the design of dynamic systems with precise structures, compositions, and responses to stimuli.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Vedant Joshi, Sameer Hussain, Sachin Dua, Nishtha Arora, Sajjad Husain Mir, Gaulthier Rydzek, Thangaraj Senthilkumar
Summary: Sensitive and rapid monitoring of cholesterol levels in the human body is achieved using a novel fluorescent sensor based on nanoarchitectonics approach. The sensor exhibits high selectivity and sensitivity for cholesterol detection.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Simon Roa, Goekalp Engin Akinoglu, Maria Laura Pedano
Summary: In recent years, noble metal nanoparticle-based periodic nanoarrays known as photonic crystals have attracted attention for their potential to enhance electric nearfield for visible light and serve as sensitive SERS substrates. The ENFE in Au and Ag nanodisks-based photonic crystals was analyzed using FDTD method. The study found that the ENFE strongly depends on the geometrical parameters, with factors up to 1200 observed for the visible light spectrum. The effects of nanodisks surface curvature-based defects on the ENFE were also investigated.
SURFACES AND INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Goekalp Engin Akinoglu, Eser Metin Akinoglu, Krzysztof Kempa, James Andell Hutchison
Summary: The optical properties of quasi-Babinet complementary arrays were studied, which consist of nanopillar support, metal disks, and hole array film. Strong vertical plasmonic coupling occurs for small separation distances of the plasmonic slabs, resulting in tunable extraordinary transmission and large electric near-field enhancements. The study also shows that these templates are suitable for plasmonic heterostructures commonly used in plasmon-enhanced photocatalysis.
NANOSCALE ADVANCES
(2021)