Block Copolymer Nanostructures for Inorganic Oxide Nanopatterning

Author

Krishna Pandey, Missouri State UniversityFollow

Date of Graduation

Fall 2017

Degree

Master of Science in Materials Science

Department

Physics, Astronomy, and Materials Science

Committee Chair

Biswas Mahua

Abstract

Self-assembled nature of block copolymer (BCP) makes them ideal for emerging technologies in nanometer scale. The micro phase separation between two or more dissimilar polymer blocks of BCP leads to uniform periodic nanostructures of different domains of dimension in the range of 5-100 nm, good for the development of emerging microelectronic and optoelectronics devices. Molecular weight and chain architecture of each blocks govern the morphology evolution; gives different structure like spherical, micelles, lamellae, cylindrical, gyroid etc. The morphology evolution of BCP nanostructure also depends on different external factors as well. In the first work of this thesis, three external factors temperature, BCP thickness and brush layer which influences microphase separation and orientation of the BCP have been varied to study their influence on a cylinder forming BCP poly (styrene-block-methyl methacrylate (PS-b-PMMA). The well-organized periodic nanostructure of BCPs can be used as template to make inorganic nanopattern. In this work, titanium dioxide (TiO₂) with unique structural and functional properties has been selected as inorganic material. In the second and third work of this thesis, I have used the same cylinder forming PS-b-PMMA as a template to deposit TiO₂ nanodots using two different inorganic deposition methods. In the second work, room temperature pulse laser deposition (PLD) and in the third work wet chemical method were used to deposit TiO₂ nanodots. Scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), x-ray diffraction (XRD), and photoluminescence (PL) were used to characterize BCP and TiO₂ nanostructures.

Keywords

microdomain, nanofabrication, self-assembly, microphase, lithography

Subject Categories

Nanoscience and Nanotechnology | Polymer and Organic Materials | Semiconductor and Optical Materials

Copyright

© Krishna Pandey

Recommended Citation

Pandey, Krishna, "Block Copolymer Nanostructures for Inorganic Oxide Nanopatterning" (2017). MSU Graduate Theses. 3210.
https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/theses/3210