Electric field directed self-assembly of block copolymers for rapid formation of large-area complex nanopatterns

Abstract

We investigate the unusually rapid directed self-assembly of block copolymer (BCP) thin films by imposing an in-plane electric field. Blending short chain BCPs dramatically enhances the generically retarded chain diffusivity for BCP self-assembly in thin films. In addition, photopatterned, few-layer solution-cast chemically modified graphene is introduced as a disposable and versatile electrode for electric field applications. A variety of laterally ordered self-assembled lamellar BCP nanopatterns are attained within a 10 min time scale, including an arbitrary large-area unidirectionally oriented lamellar array.