Metal Nanowire Formation via Block Copolymer Template
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for forming metal nanowires and nanomeshes using block copolymers are complex and limited in terms of metal precursor types, particularly restricting the formation of silver nanowires or nanomeshes, and require additional chemical or physical processes such as acid treatment and surface modifications.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the formation of a block copolymer thin film with specific hard and soft segments, followed by solvent annealing or heat treatment to orient the segments in a lamellar or cylindrical form, selective removal of soft segments, adsorption of metal precursors onto hard segments, and subsequent removal of hard segments to create metal nanowires or nanomeshes, using a neutral metal salt solution to broaden the range of applicable metals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional block copolymer methods are used to form metal nanowires, then nanowire formation is achieved, but the process becomes complex and limited in metal precursor types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the soft segment from the block copolymer structure, leaving only the hard segment that serves as the template for metal nanowire formation. This extraction simplifies the overall process by eliminating the need for additional treatment steps and expands versatility to accommodate various metal precursors including silver, without requiring complex surface modifications or acid treatments.
2Reliability
If additional treatment processes like acid treatment and surface modifications are applied, then metal precursor adsorption is improved, but the formation process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The hard segment of the block copolymer inherently provides the necessary surface properties for metal precursor adsorption through its own chemical structure, without requiring external acid treatment or surface modification processes. The hard segment self-services by providing both the structural template and the chemical functionality needed for reliable metal precursor adsorption, thereby simplifying the overall formation process while maintaining high reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If silver nanowires are formed using conventional methods, then silver nanowire formation is achieved, but additional treatment processes are required
Solution Approach 1:
The hard segment template structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the geometric template for nanowire formation, offers chemical functionality for adsorbing diverse metal precursors including silver, and eliminates the need for separate surface treatment processes. This multi-functionality enables silver nanowire formation and other metal nanowire formations through a single simplified process, greatly improving ease of manufacture while maintaining versatility.
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 approach allows for the simplified formation of metal nanowires or nanomeshes in desired shapes and sizes, enabling the use of diverse metals, including silver, without the need for additional treatment processes, and is applicable to various devices like optical devices and biosensors.
Implementation Method 1
the block copolymer includes polymer blocks having different chemical structures, connected through a covalent bond, and according to the compositions of blocks constituting the block copolymer, the length of the chain, and Flory-Huggins interaction parameter, it may form various nanostructures including a complicated three-dimensional structure such as a gyroid, or a HPL (hexagonal perforated lamellae) structure, as well as a basic structure such as a sphere, a cylinder, or a lamellae
Implementation Method 2
adsorbing a metal precursor onto the hard segments
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for forming a metal nanowire or a metal nanomesh. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for forming a metal nanowire or a metal nanomesh capable of forming a variety of metal nanowires or metal nanomeshes in a desired shape by a simplified method.The method for forming a metal nanowire or a metal nanomesh includes the steps of forming a block copolymer thin film on a substrate, in which the block copolymer thin film includes specific hard segments and soft segments containing one or more polymer repeating units selected from the group consisting of a poly(meth)acrylate-based repeating unit, a polyalkylene oxide-based repeating unit, a polyvinylpyridine-based repeating unit, a polystyrene-based repeating unit, a polydiene-based repeating unit and a polylactone-based repeating unit; conducting orientation of the hard segments and soft segments in a lamellar or cylindrical form in the block copolymer thin film; selectively removing the soft segments; adsorbing a metal precursor onto the hard segments; and removing the hard segments.