Tuning of morphology and polymorphs of carbonate/polymer hybrids using photoreactive polymer templates

Abstract

We here report the use of photolithographic polymer thin films as matrices for the formation of inorganic/organic polymer thin-film hybrids and the tuning of their structures. Poly(vinyl alcohol) derivatives bearing photoreactive styrylpyridinium moieties (PVA-SbQs) are used as matrices for the crystallization of CaCO₃ and SrCO₃. Thin-film hybrids are formed on the matrices in the presence of poly(acrylic acid). The polymorphs and morphologies of the CaCO₃ nanocrystal assemblies are tuned by the photoreaction and the polymer structures of the matrices. Hybrid CaCO₃ films exhibiting complex shapes and different surface structures are formed on the photoimaged PVA-SbQ matrix. Crystallization of SrCO₃ on the photoimaged matrix leads to selective formation of film hybrids on UV-irradiated areas. These approaches may have great potential in controlling the complex structures of inorganic/polymer composite materials.