Sub-10 nm patterns prepared by directed self-assembly (DSA) of block copolymer (BCP) thin films offer a breakthrough method to overcome the limitations of photolithography. Perpendicular orientation of the BCP nanostructures is essential for lithographic applications, but dissimilar surface/interfacial energies of two blocks generally favour parallel orientations, so that the perpendicular orientation could only be obtained under very limited conditions. Here, we introduce a generalized method for creating perpendicular orientations by filtered plasma treatment of the BCP films. By cross-linking the surface of disordered BCP films using only physical collisions of neutral species without ion bombardment or UV irradiation, neutral layers consistent with the BCP volume fraction are produced that promote the perpendicular orientations. This method works with BCPs of various types, volume fractions, and molecular weights individually at the top and bottom interfaces, so it was applied to orientation-controlled 3D multilayer structures and DSA processes for sub-10 nm line-spacing patterns.

As practical interest in stretchable electronics increases for future applications in wearables, healthcare, and robotics, the demand for electrical interconnects with high electrical conductivity, durability, printability, and adhesion is growing. Despite the high electrical conductivity and stretchability of most previous interconnects, they lack stable conductivity against strain and adhesion to stretchable substrates, leading to a limitation for their practical applications. Herein, we propose a stretchable conductive adhesive consisting of silver particles with carbon nanotube as an auxiliary filler in silicone adhesives. The conductive adhesive exhibits a high initial conductivity of 6450 S cm–1. They show little change in conductivity over 3000 stretching cycles at 50% strain, currently the highest stability reported for elastic conductors. Based on strong adhesion to stretchable substrates, the gel-free, dry adhesives printed on an elastic bandage for electrocardiography monitoring exhibit an extremely stable performance upon movement of the subject, even after several cycles of detachment–reattachment and machine washing.

We have rationally designed a bracelet-type thermoelectric generator based on carbon nanotube ink printed directly onto a flexible cable.