Article
Chemistry, Physical
Leiming Guo, Martin Steinhart
Summary: In this study, we explored the potential of using block copolymer (BCP) polystyrene-block-poly (2-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P2VP) stamps for the generation of topographic surface patterns. We demonstrated the fabrication of additive surface patterns using PS-b-P2VP breath figure (BF) arrays and the fabrication of subtractive surface patterns using PS-b-P2VP stamps penetrated by spongy mesopore systems. These findings provide new possibilities for controlling surface properties and achieving graphoepitaxy.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xuezhi Dai, Xiaolian Qiang, Christian Hils, Holger Schmalz, Andre H. Groschel
Summary: Self-assembly of block copolymers in 3D confinement of emulsion droplets can lead to a range of microparticles with frustrated inner structure. By confining a linear ABC triblock terpolymer with a crystallizable middle block in oil-in-water emulsions, different microparticle morphologies were observed, depending on the evaporation protocol and polymer concentration. These findings provide insights into the morphological behavior of semicrystalline block copolymers in 3D soft confinement and suggest alternative routes to structure multicompartment microparticles.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Andre H. Groeschel, Tina Groeschel, Suna Azhdari, Marcel Schumacher, Hui Chen
Summary: Cubosomes and hexosomes are ordered porous structures observed in lipids and amphiphilic block copolymers with high hydrophobic fractions. While lipid hexosomes have a prismatic shape, hexosomes formed by block copolymers have only been observed as closed microspheres. In this study, we describe the formation of flat, prismatic hexosomes with a highly ordered lattice of hexagonal channels using a specific polymer-solvent interaction. Tuning the interfacial tension can deform the hexosomes into spinning-top structures. This work demonstrates the potential of using low-χ solvents for confined assembly of block copolymers to create unusual particle shapes.
Article
Polymer Science
Lixun Zhang, Junying Yang, Weihua Li
Summary: In this study, the self-assembly of a multiblock copolymer melt was investigated under the confinement of nanopores. Different multi-strand helical structures were successfully predicted by tailoring the copolymer architecture. The results showed that these helical structures are mainly stabilized by the unique ability of the specific architecture to relieve the packing frustration of the majority blocks.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhen Wang, Ruiting Li, Yating Zhang, Chun Lam Clement Chan, Johannes S. Haataja, Kui Yu, Richard M. Parker, Silvia Vignolini
Summary: Thermal or solvent annealing is commonly used to enhance the nanostructure of block copolymer (BCP) films. This study presents the application of thermal annealing to bottlebrush block copolymer (BBCP) microparticles with a photonic glass architecture, allowing for color tuning from blue to red. The process is driven by temperature-induced softening of the BBCP matrix and the absence of microphase separation. The concept is further applied to produce a thermochromic patterned hydrogel, demonstrating potential applications in smart labeling and anticounterfeiting.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhen Wang, Chun Lam Clement Chan, Johannes S. Haataja, Lukas Schertel, Ruiting Li, Gea T. van de Kerkhof, Oren A. Scherman, Richard M. Parker, Silvia Vignolini
Summary: This study demonstrates how an inverse photonic glass architecture enables the use of biocompatible bottlebrush block copolymers (BBCPs) as photonic pigments. A library of photonic pigments is produced by adjusting the BBCP molecular weight or processing temperature. The relationship between the microparticles' 3D porous morphology and their optical response is analyzed, allowing strategies to enhance color purity to be proposed and realized with the biocompatible BBCP system.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiaolian Qiang, Steffen Franzka, Giada Quintieri, Xuezhi Dai, Chin Ken Wong, Andre H. Groeschel
Summary: This study presents a straightforward method for preparing nano- to micrometer-sized Janus discs with controlled shape, size, and aspect ratio, using cross-linkable ABC triblock terpolymers and SPG membrane emulsification. The Janus discs can be transferred to water and used as efficient colloidal stabilizers for O/W emulsions, showing their amphiphilic properties.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Zhen Geng, Jingye Liu, Qi Guo, Xi Mao, Senbin Chen, Renhua Deng, Jintao Zhu
Summary: A facile strategy is developed to regulate the assembled structures of block copolymers from nanostructured particles to micelles through the addition of a selective solvent and the use of dialysis.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Renhua Deng, Lingfei Zheng, Xi Mao, Baohui Li, Jintao Zhu
Summary: Based on studies combining experiments and simulations, researchers presented internally ordered colloidal particles capable of morphological transformations in both shape and internal structure. By controlling solvent selectivity and annealing time, the morphology of the particles can be well controlled. The study offers potential applications in areas such as photonic crystal, drug delivery, sensor and smart coating design.
Article
Polymer Science
Tiancheng Chen, Yuci Xu
Summary: In this study, the self-assembly behavior of A(BC)(2)B multiblock copolymer with chain length N in a nanopore with size R under cylindrical confinement is investigated using self-consistent field theory. Hierarchical concentric ring (HCk), hierarchical perforated cylinder (HPk), hierarchical helix (HHk), and even hierarchical disk (HDk) structures are obtained with different number of mid-thin layers k, based on a proposed design principle. The results reveal that the hierarchical structure with more k is favored by large pore size and chi(AB), while the hierarchical structure with less k is preferred by chi(BC), which is consistent with the hierarchical structure in bulk. The effect of the volume fraction of the tail A block (f(A)) on the phase transition sequence HCk -> HPk -> HHk -> HDk is explored, which shares the same transition as the multiblock copolymer in bulk (L-k -> G(k) -> C-k -> S-k). Finally, the phase diagram with respect to f(A) and R is examined to understand the stability regime of these hierarchical structures. The results provide a promising solution for the fabrication of hierarchical 3D nanostructures under confinement.
MACROMOLECULAR THEORY AND SIMULATIONS
(2023)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Zhen Wang, Chun Lam Clement Chan, Tianheng H. Zhao, Richard M. Parker, Silvia Vignolini
Summary: The review discusses the self-assembly of BCPs as photonic pigments, focusing on the role of confinement in forming well-ordered lamellae and contrasting with disordered structures from densely packed micelles. The structural characteristics and optical performance of 1D photonic crystals and photonic glasses are critically compared, along with the current challenges and potential for future developments in this field.
ADVANCED OPTICAL MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kangrui Yuan, Zhanwen Xu, Xianbo Huang, Weihua Li
Summary: Recently, stable square cylinder phases have been formed in a few AB-type multiblock copolymers based on self-consistent field theory calculations. In this work, the stability of the square phase in linear pentablock and star triblock copolymers was reexamined, and the free-energy landscape was analyzed. The results show a continuous transition from the square phase to the rectangular phase, and the stability of the square phase is improved in the star triblock copolymer.
CHEMISTRY-A EUROPEAN JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Coste Mawele Loudy, Joachim Allouche, Antoine Bousquet, Laurent Billon, Herve Martinez
Summary: In this study, we demonstrate how functional gold nanoparticles can manipulate the morphology of block copolymer thin films. By employing post-polymerization modifications, we synthesized a unique block copolymer with special structure and investigated its self-assembly behavior. Additionally, the impact of incorporating polystyrene-capped gold nanoparticles on the morphology of the block copolymer thin film was analyzed.
Article
Polymer Science
Luyang Li, Xiangmeng Jia, Qingshu Dong, Jiajia Zhou, Weihua Li
Summary: The self-assembly behavior of symmetric diblock copolymers was investigated using self-consistent field theory and dissipative particle dynamics. It was found that the hexagonal dot pattern observed in thin films is an equilibrium morphology that requires ultrathin thickness and asymmetric surface affinities.
Article
Polymer Science
Samuel C. Leguizamon, Jackson Powers, Juhong Ahn, Sara Dickens, Sangwoo Lee, Brad H. Jones
Summary: Polymerization-induced phase separation allows for precise control over thermoset network morphologies, resulting in heterogeneous structures with tunable domain sizes ranging from 1-100 nm. By adjusting the composition of a binary curing agent mixture in a rubber-toughened epoxy thermoset, morphology can be easily controlled through a single compositional parameter, leading to a wide range of morphologies controlled by the reactivities and compatibility of network components. This method also demonstrates a strong relationship between chain dynamics and microstructure, with the tunable morphology allowing for variations in glass transition temperature and mechanical properties such as elongation at failure, modulus, and ultimate strength that were previously unattainable.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Xiaolong Wang, Dimitrios Kazazis, Li-Ting Tseng, Alex P. G. Robinson, Yasin Ekinci
Summary: This study reports on the fabrication and characterization of high-resolution gratings using spin-on-carbon underlayers. The results demonstrate that the bilayer gratings made of hydrogen silsesquioxane and spin-on-carbon exhibit excellent performance as a grating mask for extreme ultraviolet interference lithography. The diffraction efficiency of the gratings can be accurately measured by measuring the relative ratio of the dose-to-clear curves of the photoresist. The experimental results confirm the theoretical predictions and demonstrate the successful fabrication of line/space patterns using EUV-IL.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Thomas Mortelmans, Dimitrios Kazazis, Celestino Padeste, Philipp Berger, Xiaodan Li, Yasin Ekinci
Summary: The development of a three-dimensional nanofluidic device for rapid and multiplexed detection of viral antibodies is presented. The device is made from poly(methyl methacrylate) and utilizes nanoscale topography variations for particle immobilization and trapping. It can be used for specific and sensitive multiplexed detection of serological antibodies against different viral proteins. The device's applications can be extended to detect various diseases simultaneously.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Anze Mraz, Rok Venturini, Damjan Svetin, Vitomir Sever, Ian Aleksander Mihailovic, Igor Vaskivskyi, Bojan Ambrozic, Goran Drazic, Maria D'Antuono, Daniela Stornaiuolo, Francesco Tafuri, Dimitrios Kazazis, Jan Ravnik, Yasin Ekinci, Dragan Mihailovic
Summary: Current trends in data processing have led to a search for new concepts of memory devices that prioritize efficiency, speed, and scalability. A promising new approach based on resistance switching in 1T-TaS2 has been investigated. The research explores the energy efficiency scaling of charge configuration memory (CCM) devices in relation to device size, data write time (tau(W)), and other parameters. The study finds that energy efficiency scales linearly with device size and data write time, only deviating from linearity when tau(W) approaches the intrinsic switching limit. CCM devices are shown to be faster and more energy efficient compared to current memory devices, utilizing 2.2 fJ, 16 ps electrical pulses for two-terminal switching.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yake Wang, Jinping Chen, Yi Zeng, Tianjun Yu, Xudong Guo, Shuangqing Wang, Timothee Allenet, Michaela Vockenhuber, Yasin Ekinci, Jun Zhao, Shumin Yang, Yanqing Wu, Guoqiang Yang, Yi Li
Summary: This study synthesized a series of t-Boc protected tetraphenylsilane derivatives and investigated their application in lithography. The results showed that different t-Boc protecting ratios affect the contrast and pattern blur, with TPSi-Boc70% demonstrating the best patterning capability.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Zhihao Wang, Jinping Chen, Tianjun Yu, Yi Zeng, Xudong Guo, Shuangqing Wang, Timothee Allenet, Michaela Vockenhuber, Yasin Ekinci, Guoqiang Yang, Yi Li
Summary: Nonchemically amplified resists based on polystyrene modified with triphenyl sulfonium triflate groups were prepared. The level of sulfonium groups could be controlled by changing the feed ratio of raw materials, resulting in two different resists with sulfonium ratios of 50% and 70%. The PSTS0.7 resist exhibited a better resolution (18 nm half-pitch) compared to the PSTS0.5 resist (20 nm half-pitch) under the same developing conditions for electron beam lithography.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Arik Beck, Dimitrios Kazazis, Yasin Ekinci, Xiansheng Li, Elisabeth Agnes Mueller Gubler, Armin Kleibert, Marc-Georg Willinger, Luca Artiglia, Jeroen A. van Bokhoven
Summary: Hydrogen spillover from metal nanoparticles to oxides is an important process in hydrogenation catalysis and hydrogen storage. In this study, advanced sample fabrication and in situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to investigate the local and far-reaching effects of hydrogen spillover in a platinum-ceria catalyst. The results showed that at low temperatures, hydrogen spillover led to the formation of surface O-H on the whole ceria surface, extending microns away from the platinum. These findings demonstrate the impact of hydrogen on the entire catalyst surface and its involvement in catalysis and restructuring.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Thomas Mortelmans, Dimitrios Kazazis, Jerome Werder, Per Magnus Kristiansen, Yasin Ekinci
Summary: Thermoplastic micro- and nanofluidics have gained popularity as an alternative to PDMS-based devices due to their favorable chemical and physical properties. This article presents a fabrication route using grayscale e-beam lithography and injection molding to create capillary 3D thermoplastic nanofluidic devices with unprecedented accuracy in the sub-micrometer range. The fabrication process involves patterned resist, electroforming, and injection molding, resulting in devices with maintained height profile and reduced roughness.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Peipei Tao, Qianqian Wang, Michaela Vockenhuber, Da Zhu, Tianqi Liu, Xiaolin Wang, Ziyu Hu, Yimeng Wang, Jianlong Wang, Yaping Tang, Yasin Ekinci, Hong Xu, Xiangming He
Summary: This study presents the realization of zinc-based nanoparticle liquids and their potential for controlled nanofabrication. By utilizing the metal-core charge shielding strategy, nanoparticles with liquefaction characteristics and excellent film-forming capabilities were prepared. These nanoparticles also demonstrated controlled top-down nanofabrication.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Qianqian Wang, Yuting Zhou, Xiaolin Wang, Hongqiang Gao, Zhiwen Shu, Ziyu Hu, Peipei Tao, Yasin Ekinci, Michaela Vockenhuber, Yiqin Chen, Huigao Duan, Hong Xu, Xiangming He
Summary: High-resolution patterning has been achieved by suppressing residues caused by secondary electron diffusion using a free radical quencher in a highly sensitive zirconium-containing photoresist. This novel approach effectively improves resolution and edge roughness, as well as enhances patterning contrast.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Yake Wang, Jinping Chen, Yi Zeng, Tianjun Yu, Shuangqing Wang, Xudong Guo, Rui Hu, Peng Tian, Michaela Vockenhuber, Dimitrios Kazazis, Yasin Ekinci, Yanqing Wu, Shumin Yang, Jun Zhao, Guoqiang Yang, Yi Li
Summary: In this study, a series of molecular resists based on a bis(4-butoxyphenyl) sulfone core attached to a varying number of radiation-sensitive triphenylsulfonium units were designed and synthesized. These resists showed high resolution and low line edge roughness in both e-beam and EUV lithography. The exposure mechanisms and outgassing behavior of the resists were investigated, and they exhibited high etch resistance and accurate pattern transfer capabilities. The results highlight the potential of these resists for practical applications in high-resolution lithography.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2023)
Proceedings Paper
Engineering, Manufacturing
Tao Shen, Yasin Ekinci, Iacopo Mochi
Summary: EUV lithography is a technology used in semiconductor manufacturing to achieve further size reduction. Non-destructive metrology at the nanoscale for different structures and materials is a challenging task. REGINE is a new synchrotron end-station developed to explore non-destructive EUV metrology for surface/layered structures. It aims to enable coherent diffraction imaging, scatterometry, and reflectometry in the energy range of 80 to 200 eV. This work presents the concept of REGINE and the results of commissioning experiments.
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON EXTREME ULTRAVIOLET LITHOGRAPHY 2022
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Scott M. Lewis, Hayden R. Alty, Michaela Vockenhuber, Guy A. DeRose, Antonio Fernandez-Mato, Dimitrios Kazazis, Paul L. Winpenny, Richard Grindell, Grigore A. Timco, Axel Scherer, Yasin Ekinci, Richard E. P. Winpenny
Summary: A new class of negative-tone resist materials based on heterometallic rings has been developed and the sensitivity of the resist has been improved by incorporating HgCl2 and HgI2 into the molecular design.
JOURNAL OF MICRO-NANOPATTERNING MATERIALS AND METROLOGY-JM3
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Hyun-Su Kim, Ricarda Nebling, Atoosa Dejkameh, Tao Shen, Yasin Ekinci, Iacopo Mochi
Summary: In this study, we investigated the relationship between photon flux, image resolution, and illumination intensity in diffraction imaging for EUV mask inspection. Our findings provide insights for optimizing CDI for EUV imaging and increasing the throughput of EUV mask inspection with low power sources.
JOURNAL OF MICRO-NANOPATTERNING MATERIALS AND METROLOGY-JM3
(2022)
Proceedings Paper
Engineering, Industrial
Tao Shen, Dimitrios Kazazis, Hyun-Su Kim, Atoosa Dejkameh, Ricarda Nebling, Yasin Ekinci, Iacopo Mochi
Summary: The RESCAN platform, based on coherent diffraction imaging (CDI), has been used for EUV mask inspection and review. It has shown the ability to detect both phase and amplitude defects on masks. This study explores the possibility of using RESCAN to distinguish surface defects of different materials and proposes a feasible method.
METROLOGY, INSPECTION, AND PROCESS CONTROL XXXVI
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Neha Thakur, Michaela Vockenhuber, Yasin Ekinci, Benjamin Watts, Angelo Giglia, Nicola Mahne, Stefano Nannarone, Sonia Castellanos, Albert M. Brouwer
Summary: In this study, the EUV absorption of methacrylic acid ligands of Zn oxoclusters was enhanced by introducing fluorine atoms, leading to improved sensitivity of the photoresist. Extensive spectroscopic and microscopic studies provided insights into the underlying mechanism, laying the groundwork for the development of EUV materials with better performance.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yiping Yin, Zhe Wang, Hua Zou
Summary: This study presents a novel method for preparing dimpled polymer-silica nanocomposite particles using interfacial swelling-based seeded polymerization. The optimized conditions allow for a relatively high percentage of dimpled particles to be achieved.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Brenden D. Hoehn, Elizabeth A. Kellstedt, Marc A. Hillmyer
Summary: Porous materials with nanometer-scale pores have important applications as nanoporous membranes. In this study, ABA triblock copolymers were used as precursors to produce nanoporous polymeric membranes (NPMs) in thin film form by degrading the end blocks. Polycyclooctene (PCOE) NPMs with tunable pore sizes were successfully prepared using solvent casting technique. Oxygen plasma etching was employed to improve the surface porosity and hydrophilicity of the membranes. This study provides a straightforward method to produce tough NPMs with high porosity and hydrophilic surface properties.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Vladislav S. Petrovskii, Stepan I. Zholudev, Igor I. Potemkin
Summary: This article investigates the behavior of linear and ring polypeptide chains in aqueous solution and explores the properties of the complexes formed by these chains with oppositely charged surfactants. The results demonstrate that the complexes of linear supercharged unfolded polypeptides and the corresponding surfactants exhibit impressive adhesive properties.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Merve Cevik, Serkan Dikici
Summary: Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of death globally, and vascular grafts are a promising treatment option. This study focuses on tissue-engineered vascular grafts (TEVGs) using decellularized parsley stems as a potential biomaterial. The decellularized parsley stems showed suitable properties for TEVGs, providing a suitable environment for human endothelial cells to form a pseudo endothelium. This study showcases the potential of using parsley stems for TEVGs.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Gustavo A. Vasquez-Montoya, Tadej Emersic, Noe Atzin, Antonio Tavera-Vazquez, Ali Mozaffari, Rui Zhang, Orlando Guzman, Alexey Snezhko, Paul F. Nealey, Juan J. de Pablo
Summary: The optical properties of liquid crystals are typically controlled by electric fields. In this study, we investigate the effects of microfluidic flows and acoustic fields on the molecular orientation and optical response of nematic liquid crystals. We identify several previously unknown structures and explain them through calculations and simulations. These findings hold promise for the development of new systems combining sound, flow, and confinement.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xinjun Wu, Xin Guan, Shushu Chen, Jiangpeng Jia, Chongyi Chen, Jiawei Zhang, Chuanzhuang Zhao
Summary: This research presents a novel shape memory hydrogel with a remodelable permanent shape and programmable cold-induced shape recovery behavior. The hydrogel is prepared using specific treatment methods to achieve shape fixation by heating and shape recovery by cooling. Additionally, deformable devices can be obtained by assembling hydrogel blocks with different concentrations.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Rebecca Hengsbach, Gerhard Fink, Ulrich Simon
Summary: This study examines the properties of DNA functionalized pNipmam microgels and pure pNipmam microgels at different concentrations of sodium chloride and in PBS solutions using temperature dependent H-1-NMR measurements. The results show that DNA modification affects the volume phase transition temperature and the addition of salt and PBS further enhances this effect.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ningyi Li, Junhong Li, Lijingting Qing, Shicheng Ma, Yao Li, Baohui Li
Summary: This paper investigates the self-assembly behavior of colloids with competing interactions under spherical confinement and finds that different ordered structures can be formed under different sized spherical confinements. Moreover, more perforated structures are formed in smaller spheres.
