Hierarchically ordered hybrid nanostructures via spontaneous self-assembly of block copolymer blends

摘要

Directed self-assembly of block copolymers (BCPs) with a high Flory-Huggins interaction parameter (chi) can serve as a strategy to creation of spatially-ordered nanostructures below tens of nanometer scale in a simple and cos-effective manner, eliminating the need for external force and conventional lithographic techniques. However, this approach still suffers from expansion of geometrical shapes and materials choices. In the present study, we offer a simple and facile route to formation of scalable nanostructures with hierarchical order via the rapid microphase separation of blends consisting of A-B/B-C diblock copolymers. Such this hierarchically ordered nanostructures (i.e., nanostructure in nanostructure), which cannot be evenly obtained from microphase separation of a single BCP, shed a light on the potential applications such as electronic, optical, and bio-devices. The strategy proposed in this paper can also benefit construction of more diverse and complicated nanostructures by securing control over blending of various BCPs.