Photolithographically-Patterned Electroactive Films and Electrochemically Modulated Diffraction Gratings

Abstract

This manuscript presents an overview of work directed toward the creation of arbitrary micron-scale patterns of electroactive polymer films by the application of photolithography. A brief overview of work by other groups in the field is followed by a detailed description of work from our own labs which resulted in the development of methods to pattern a variety of different electroactive materials, including Ru-and Os-polypyridine complexes, viologen-based polymers, and a low-potential polythiophene. The discussion provides detail on the photolithographic methodology. In addition, the spatially-patterned films are characterized by using optical and scanning electron microscopy. The voltammetric and spectroelectrochemical properties of several of the lithographically-patterned films are also presented. Finally, photolithography is applied to fabricate electrochromic optical diffraction gratings. The diffraction efficiency of these electroactive gratings can be modulated by an electrochemical stimulus. The properties and mechanism for operation of the electrochromic gratings are described.

Electrostatic Assembly with Poly(ferrocenylsilanes)

“…Due to the co-existence of Si and Fe atoms in the main chain of poly(ferrocenylsilanes), PFS polymers are redox-active and resistant towards reactive ion etching [8,74]. Area-selective deposition of PFS polyelectrolytes can serve as an attractive method to obtain two-dimensionally patterned redox-active films, which have potential applications as electrochemically modulated diffraction gratings [75]. Moreover, patterned organometallic thin films may be also of interest as etch barriers in reactive ion etch processes.…”

Photo-reactive nanogels as a means to tune properties during polymer network formation

“…Photopolymerization is an important mode for the generation of initiating radicals with many advantages such as energy efficiency, accommodation of heat sensitive additives/substrates, as well as temporal and spatial control over the polymerization process. These features make photopolymerization an ideal choice for broad applications including films and coatings 1 , biomaterials 2 , and photolithography 3, 4 . These materials are typically composed of crosslinked, often densely crosslinked, polymeric structures.…”

Sensing Diffraction Gratings of Antigen‐Responsive Hydrogel for Human Immunoglobulin‐G Detection

“…[19b, 28,29] The current investigation shows that the saturated DE/DE 0 has a linear correlation with the H-IgG concentration in the testing range. The gratings have the ability to sense H-IgG with a fast responsive rate, good selectivity and excellent reusability.…”