A5084987310- Block Copolymer Self-Assembly
- Fluid Dynamics and Thin Films
- Advanced Polymer Synthesis and Characterization
- Polymer Surface Interaction Studies
- Conducting polymers and applications
- Neuroscience and Neural Engineering
- Optical Coatings and Gratings
- Liquid Crystal Research Advancements
- Force Microscopy Techniques and Applications
- Advanced Memory and Neural Computing
- biodegradable polymer synthesis and properties
- Nanofabrication and Lithography Techniques
- Machine Learning in Materials Science
- Anodic Oxide Films and Nanostructures
- Advanced Materials and Mechanics
- Rheology and Fluid Dynamics Studies
- Organic Electronics and Photovoltaics
- Nanomaterials and Printing Technologies
- Modular Robots and Swarm Intelligence
- Material Dynamics and Properties
- Gold and Silver Nanoparticles Synthesis and Applications
- Silicon Nanostructures and Photoluminescence
- Biopolymer Synthesis and Applications
- Diatoms and Algae Research
- Surface Modification and Superhydrophobicity
Trinity College Dublin
2014-2023
Advanced Materials and BioEngineering Research
2015-2023
University College Cork
2011-2019
National University of Ireland
2015-2019
22q11 Ireland
2017
Ollscoil na Gaillimhe – University of Galway
2016
Tyndall National Institute
2014
University of Sheffield
2009-2010
Hybrid functional materials, constituting both inorganic and organic components, are considered potential platforms for applications in extremely diverse fields such as optics, micro-electronics, transportation, health, energy, energy storage, diagnosis, housing, environment the highly relevant area is Internet of Things (IoT). Material properties hybrid materials can be tuned by modification composition on molecular scale to produce smart materials. Cross-cutting approaches, synergistically...
Nanostructured surfaces are common in nature and exhibit properties such as antireflectivity (moth eyes), self-cleaning (lotus leaf), iridescent colors (butterfly wings), water harvesting (desert beetles). We now understand can mimic some of these natural structures the laboratory. However, synthetic limited since they not easily mass produced over large areas due to scalability current technologies UV-lithography, high cost infrastructure, difficulty nonplanar surfaces. Here, we report a...
We studied the kinetics of nanopattern evolution in (polystyrene-b-polyethylene oxide) diblock copolymer thin films. Using scanning force microscopy, a highly unexpected cylindrical flipping morphology from normal to parallel film plane was detected during solvent annealing (with average thickness 30 nm) at high vapor pressure. an situ time-resolved light scattering device combined with environmental cell enabled us obtain kinetic information different pressures. The data indicated that...
Standard models explaining the spin coating of polymer solutions generally fail to describe early stages film formation, when hydrodynamic forces control solution behavior. Using in situ light scattering alongside theoretical and semi-empirical models, it is shown that inertial (which initially cause a vertical gradient radial solvent velocity within film) play significant role rate thinning solution. The development thickness as function time solute-free liquid (toluene) blend polystyrene...
A series of novel block copolymers, processable from single organic solvents and subsequently rendered amphiphilic by thermolysis, have been synthesized using Grignard metathesis (GRIM) reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerizations azide–alkyne click chemistry. This chemistry is simple allows the fabrication well-defined copolymers with controllable lengths. The designed for use as interfacial adhesive layers in photovoltaics to enhance contact between photoactive...
The self-assembly of ultra-high molecular weight (UHMW) block copolymers (BCPs) remains a complex and time-consuming endeavor owing to the high kinetic penalties associated with long polymer chain entanglement. In this work, we report unique strategy overcoming these barriers through precision solvent annealing an UHMW polystyrene-block-poly(2-vinylpyridine) BCP system (Mw: ∼800 kg/mol) by fast swelling very levels concentration (ϕs). Phase separation on timescales ∼10 min is demonstrated...
Microwave annealing is an emerging technique for achieving ordered patterns of block copolymer films on substrates. Little understood about the mechanisms microphase separation during microwave process and how it promotes blocks. Here, we use controlled power irradiation in presence tetrahydrofuran (THF) solvent, to achieve lateral high-χ lamellar-forming poly(styrene-b-lactic acid) PS-b-PLA. A highly line pattern was formed within seconds silicon, germanium silicon insulator (SOI) In-situ...
A surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy sensing template consisting of gold-covered nanopillars is developed. The plasmonic slab consists a perforated gold film at the base and Babinet complementary dot array on top pillars. were fabricated by incorporation an iron salt precursor into self-assembled block copolymer thin subsequent reactive ion etching. preparation easy, scalable, cost-effective. We report increase in scattering efficiency for smaller pillar heights stronger coupling between...
Solvothermal vapor annealing (STVA) was employed to induce microphase separation in a lamellar forming block copolymer (BCP) thin film containing readily degradable block. Directed self-assembly of poly(styrene)-block-poly(d,l-lactide) (PS-b-PLA) BCP films using topographically patterned silicon nitride demonstrated with alignment over macroscopic areas. Interestingly, we observed patterns aligned parallel as well perpendicular (perpendicular microdomains substrate both cases) the topography...
ABSTRACT Self‐assembled thin films of a lamellar forming polystyrene‐ block ‐poly( d,l )lactide (PS‐ b ‐PLA) copolymer (BCP) contain “reactive” that can be readily removed to provide template for substrate pattern formation. Various methods PLA removal were studied here with view develop the system as an on‐chip etch mask patterning. Solvo‐microwave annealing was used induce microphase separation in PS‐ ‐PLA BCP periodicity 34 nm ( L o ) on silicon and insulator (SOI) substrates. Wet etches...
Nanostructured Anti-Reflective (AR) surfaces have attracted a focused attention during the last few years and offer an alternative to AR coatings. Recent nanopatterning approaches allowed fabrication of bioinspired nanostructured with unprecedented broadband omnidirectional properties. However, nanofabrication methods face major challenges for reaching industrial maturity including high capital expenditure cost, scalability, reliability adaptability technologies. Block copolymer (BCP) films...
Abstract A platform is introduced for fabrication of a reusable and highly efficient low band gap photocatalyst by confining gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in the pores nanopatterned Si monolith (AuNSM). Due to their size, maximum two AuNPs can assemble single pore, thus preventing agglomerations. Their access analyte provides more active sites redox reaction, leading enhanced efficiency. While proximity enhances coupling efficiency, confinement prevents rapid recombination photogenerated charge...
Abstract Physicochemical modification of implantable electrode systems is recognized as a viable strategy to enhance tissue/electrode integration and performance in situ. In this work, bench‐top electrochemical process formulate anodized indium tin oxide (ITO) films with altered roughness, conducting profiles, thickness explored. addition, the influence these on neural cell adhesion, proliferation, function indicates that ITO film cytocompatibility can be by varying anodization current...
Compact polyelectrolyte complexes (COPECs), also named saloplastics, represent a new class of material with high fracture strain and self-healing properties. Here, COPECs based on poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA) poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) were prepared by centrifugation at pH 7. The influence postassembly changes was monitored chemically ATR-FTIR, ICP, DSC, TGA, morphologically SEM, mechanically to break measurements. Postassembly stimuli misbalanced the charge ratio in COPECs,...
We use atomic force microscopy (AFM) and hot tip AFM (HT-AFM) to thermophysically characterize a 30 nm thick film of poly(styrene-block-ethylene oxide), PS-b-PEO, modify its lamellar patterns having spacing 39 ± 3 nm. scans the polymer induce either abrasive surface or nanoscale ripples, which depend upon force, temperature, number scans. The evolution is explained by molecular structure mode I crack propagation in combined with stick-and-slip behavior tip. HT-AFM measurements at various...
Nanostructured crystalline titanium dioxide (TiO2) finds applications in numerous fields such as photocatalysis or photovoltaics, where its physical and chemical properties depend on shape crystallinity. We report a simple method of fabricating TiO2 nanowires by selective area deposition tetraisopropoxide (TTIP) water vapor deposition-based approach at low temperature utilizing polystyrene-block-poly(ethylene oxide) self-assembled block copolymer thin film template. Parameters exposure time...
A new experimental set-up facilitating <italic>in situ</italic> SAXS during microwave annealing of polymers.
Abstract Creating perpendicular alignment in lamellar block copolymer (BCP) systems has considerable industrial and commercial significance, most importantly for generating nanowire structures electronic devices. In general, these require careful interface engineering to obtain vertical orientation of the blocks. To avoid strong preferential adsorption one either substrate or polymer/air interface, surface must be “neutralized” by chemical brushes external forces, example, solvent fields....
Event Abstract Back to Nanopillar modified neuroelectrodes through block copolymer self-assembly Manus Biggs1, Parvaneh Mokarian-Tabari2, Catalina Vallejo-Giraldo1, Dilip Thomas1, Michael A. Morris2 and Abhay Pandit1 1 National University of Ireland, Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CÚRAM), Ireland 2 Trinity College Dublin, on Adaptive Nanostructures Nanodevices (CRANN), Introduction: Neuroelectrodes are susceptible deterioration via scar encapsulation following implantation....