Hexagonally ordered nanoparticles templated using a block copolymer film through Coulombic interactions

Nanotechnology. 2013 Feb 1;24(4):045305. doi: 10.1088/0957-4484/24/4/045305. Epub 2013 Jan 8.

Abstract

We present a novel and simple method for forming hexagonal gold nanoparticle arrays that uses Coulombic interactions between negatively charged gold nanoparticles on positively charged vertically oriented poly(4-vinylpyridine) cylinders formed in a spin cast polystyrene-b-poly(4-vinylpyridine) block copolymer film. Exposure of the block copolymer film to dibromobutane vapor quaternizes and crosslinks the poly(4-vinylpyridine) domains which allows for the templated deposition of gold nanoparticles into a self-assembled hexagonal array through electrostatic interactions. These systems can form the basis for sensors or next generation nanoparticle based electronics.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Crystallization / methods*
  • Materials Testing
  • Membranes, Artificial*
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Molecular Imprinting / methods*
  • Nanostructures / chemistry*
  • Nanostructures / ultrastructure*
  • Particle Size
  • Polymers / chemistry*
  • Polystyrenes / chemistry*
  • Polyvinyls / chemistry*
  • Pyridines / chemistry*
  • Static Electricity
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Membranes, Artificial
  • Polymers
  • Polystyrenes
  • Polyvinyls
  • Pyridines
  • polystyrene-block-poly(4-vinylpyridine)