Abstract
We consider nanoparticles and functionalized copolymers, block copolymers with attached end groups possessing a specific affinity for nanoparticles, in solution. Using molecular dynamics, we show that nanoparticles are able to direct the self-assembly of the polymer/nanoparticle composite. We perform a detailed study for a wide range of nanoparticle sizes and concentrations. We show that the nanoparticles order in a number of distinct phases: simple cubic, layered hexagonal, hexagonal columnar, gyroid, and a novel square columnar. Our results show that nanoparticles ordered with functionalized block copolymers can provide a simple and efficient tool for assembling novel materials with nanometer scale resolution.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1259-1265 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | ACS Nano |
Volume | 2 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Jun 2008 |
Keywords
- Nanoparticle ordering
- Composites
- Coarse grained model
- Behavior
- End-functionalized block copolymers
- Nanoparticle/copolymer composites
- Mixtures
- Nanostructures
- Diblock Copolymers
- Lithography
- Molecular dynamics simulation
- Crystals
- Molecular-Dynamics
- Arrays