Crosslinkable Copolymer Films for High-Yield Nanostructure Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for transferring narrow, ultrathin, high-aspect ratio nanostructures, such as graphene nanoribbons, have poor transfer yields and are not well-suited for very narrow nanoribbons.
Innovation Solution
The use of crosslinkable organic copolymers as a transfer medium, where a coating of the copolymer is applied over the nanostructures, heated to induce crosslinking and bonding with the substrate, and then the nanostructures and copolymer are transferred to a new substrate with high yields.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If PMMA coating method is used for transferring narrow nanoribbons, then the transfer process can be completed, but the transfer yield is poor and not suitable for very narrow nanoribbons
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical and physical parameters of the polymer coating by using crosslinkable copolymers instead of conventional PMMA. The crosslinking process modifies the polymer network structure, creating stronger adhesion to the nanoribbon surface and substrate, which significantly improves transfer yield and suitability for narrow nanoribbons while maintaining the transfer process feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material strategy by using crosslinkable copolymers that combine multiple functional groups within the polymer structure. These copolymers integrate adhesion-promoting groups, crosslinkable groups, and solubility-controlled groups, creating a multifunctional coating material that simultaneously achieves strong bonding, controlled transfer, and clean removal
2Manufacturing precision
If crosslinkable copolymer is used to improve transfer yield, then transfer yield approaches 100%, but the process complexity increases due to crosslinking requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by controlling the crosslinking degree and polymer composition to optimize the balance between transfer yield and process simplicity. By adjusting crosslinking density and copolymer ratios, the method achieves near 100% transfer yield while maintaining manageable process complexity through controlled chemical reactions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-synthesizing crosslinkable copolymers with built-in crosslinking functionality before the transfer process. This preparation step incorporates all necessary functional groups into the polymer structure in advance, eliminating the need for complex in-situ modifications during the transfer process and simplifying the overall procedure
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method achieves transfer yields of, or approaching, 100% for dense arrays of narrow, ultrathin, high-aspect ratio nanostructures, significantly improving upon existing techniques.
Implementation Method 1
heating the crosslinkable copolymer to induce crosslinking of the crosslinkable copolymer and to form bonds between the crosslinkable copolymer and the surface of the first substrate
Implementation Method 2
The residual PMMA is then dissolved using a suitable solvent and thermal treatment
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(f)
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
Methods of transferring nanostructures from a first substrate to another substrate using a copolymer polymerized from one or more non-crosslinking monomers and one or more comonomers bearing crosslinkable groups as a transfer medium are provided. Relative to a poly(methyl methacrylate) homopolymer, the crosslinkable copolymers bond more strongly to the first substrate and, as a result, are able to transfer even very narrow nanostructures between substrates with high transfer yields.