Adsorption of Block-Copolymer Micelles from a Selective Solvent

Abstract

We have studied the adsorption of poly(styrene-b-2-vinylpyridine) block copolymers from a selective solvent onto a flat solid substrate, resulting in the formation of laterally ordered microdomains. We address the question whether the lateral domain structure is due to adsorption of entire micelles from the solution. Dynamic light scattering, atomic force microscopy, surface plasmon spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy were used to characterize the polymer solution, the adsorption process, and the resulting polymer layer, respectively. A quantitative comparison of the results obtained with different techniques strongly indicates direct adsorption of whole micelles onto a brush formed from free copolymer chains. Furthermore, the adsorption process is found to depend strongly on the velocity at which the samples are withdrawn from the solution.

Highly Regular Polyampholytic Structures Adsorbed Directly from Solution

“…The other more hydrophobic block forms the core of the polyampholytic micelles. The formation of micelles from amphiphilic block copolymers in solution and their adsorption directly from solution are reported by many authors [15,38] Also in the case of the investigated polyampholyte the adsorption of whole micelles explain the formation of similar-sized polyampholytic structures via adsorption at the silicon substrate A schematic drawing of the adsorption process of whole polyam-pholytic micelles is shown in Fig. 5.…”

Mesoscopic surface patterns formed by block copolymer micelles

“…If interactions with the substrate are weak, the , Möller 17,18) , and Krausch 19) . From a more general perspective, it is interesting to note that the physics of self assembly and microphase separation in 2D is remarkably rich, as it is wellknown from thin magnetic garnets or thin organic films 3) .…”

Tuning the Dimensions and Periodicities of Nanostructures Starting from the Same Polystyrene‐block‐poly(2‐vinylpyridine) Diblock Copolymer

“…[17] Deposition of such micelles onto surfaces as monolayers leads to chemical and topographical nanopatterns. [18][19][20][21] A potentially very useful application is their ability to act as nanocontainers for the organization of other building blocks, for example, nanoparticles, biomolecules, or other functional units. [22] These patterns frequently show responsive 'smart' behavior and can also be replicated in other materials.…”