Block copolymer templated self-assembly

Finally, it needs to be mentioned that the mechanisms of supramolecular self-assembly apply to many systems more complex than simple surfactants and amphiphilic block copolymers. Supramolecular self-assembly and pattern formation is one of the crucial principles in nature and gives rise to hierarchical structure ranging from the length scale of a few nanometers to the macroscopic domain. The generation of intricate and very regular structures by templating supramolecularly self-assembled structures in the shape of LLC phases has proven extremely successful. Therefore, the utilization of the more complex systems found in nature (e.g. protein assemblies in viruses) is at the hands of mod-... 

The inherent ability of block copolymers to self-assemble into various well-ordered supramolecular structures makes them attractive for numerous technological applications. For instance, thin films self-assembled from block copolymers have been used as building blocks in nanotechnology and materials science [89-91 ]. Block copolymers have been employed directly without further manipulation as nanomaterials [92], or used as self-organized templates for the creation of nanos-tructured materials [92, 93]. Block copolymer blends demonstrated their applicability as patterning templates for the fabrication of well-ordered arrays [94], as well as for nanoscale manufacturing of more complex patterns [95]. The use of amphiphilic block copolymers for templating applications has been reviewed by FOrster [96]. 

Sdf-assembled materials, such as block copolymers, hold promise for patterning on length scales that are difficult to achieve by photolithography. As described in further detail below, block copolymers can self-assemble into a variety of morphologies including those that are spherical, cylindrical, and lamellar. In order for block copolymer self-assembly to be realistically applicable for templat-ing applications in thin films, defert-liee self-assembly must be obtained over large domains, in addition to control of the orientation of morphology formed in the thin films. 

The formation of bottom-up block copolymer patterns within or on top-down substrate patterns is the basis for so-called templated self-assembly processes, in which long-range order and orientation of microdomain patterns can be imposed by a template or guide . These top-down templates can take a variety of forms including periodic thickness profiles and chemically patterned surfaces. 

Cheng JY, Ross CA, Smith HI, Thomas EL. 2006. Templated self assembly of block copolymers top down helps bottom up. Adv Mater 18 2505 2521. 

Cheng, J.Y., Mayes, A.M., Ross, C.A. Nanostructure engineering by templated self-assembly of block copolymers. Nat. Mater. 3, 823 (2004)... 

Mesoporous carbon by soft template Carbons with mesostructures have been synthesized by using amphiphilic block copolymer as direct template, self-assembly surfactants or polyelectrolytes in the polymerization media of the carbon precursor. 

Complementary strategy is based on self-assembly of block copolymers template inorganic nanoparticles in binary solvents medium to form compact unidirectional structure. For instance, Fahmi et al. developed a simple concept whereby water acts as a trigger for morphological changes in water-in-toluene emulsions of... 

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