Self-Assembly of Metallo-Supramolecular Block Copolymers in Thin Films

Fustin, Charles-Andre; Guillet, Pierre; Misner, Matthew J.; Russell, Thomas P.; Schubert, Ulrich S.; Gohy, Jean-Francois

Abstract:

The self-assembly of a metallo-supramolecular PS-[Ru]-PEO block copolymer, where -[Ru]- is a bis-2,20:60,200-terpyridine-ruthenium(II) complex, in thin films was investigated. Metallo-supramolecular copolymers exhibit a different behavior as compared to their covalent counterparts. The presence of the charged complex at the junction of the two blocks has a strong impact on the self-assembly, effecting the orientation of the cylinders and ordering process. Poly(ethylene oxide) cylinders oriented normal to the film surface are obtained directly regardless of the experimental conditions over a wide range of thicknesses. Exposure to polar solvent vapors can be used to improve the lateral ordering of the cylindrical microdomains.

Year:

2008

Type of Publication:

Article

Keywords:

annealing; self-assembly; supramolecular copolymers; thin films

Journal:

Journal of Polymer Science: Part A: Polymer Chemistry

Volume:

46

Pages:

4719 - 4724