Film surface assemblies from chemically distinct block copolymer micelles

Lieihn Tsaur, Luis A. Nieves-Rosado, B. P. Prajwal, Qi Zhang, Yuk Mun Li, Fernando A. Escobedo and Ulrich B. Wiesner ()
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Lieihn Tsaur: Cornell University
Luis A. Nieves-Rosado: Cornell University
B. P. Prajwal: Cornell University
Qi Zhang: Cornell University
Yuk Mun Li: Cornell University
Fernando A. Escobedo: Cornell University
Ulrich B. Wiesner: Cornell University

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-14

Abstract: Abstract Block copolymer (BCP) self-assembly – neat, or in a homopolymer/second BCP containing molecular blend – enables complex nanostructures including spherical micelles, co-continuous cubic gyroids and Frank-Kasper phases. Emergent properties in metallic and high entropy alloys inspire a paradigm shift: treating chemically distinct BCP micelles as functional building blocks to pave a path for multicomponent assemblies with molecularly engineered property profiles. Slowing current progress are challenges associated with the structural characterization of such BCP assemblies with poor atomic contrast. Here, we demonstrate how film surface self-assemblies of binary and ternary BCP micelle alloys can be phase inverted to generate porosity. This, combined with machine-learning assisted image segmentation, allows component classification via routine scanning electron microscopy. Results are supported by mechanistic insights from Voronoi analysis, cluster analysis and Monte Carlo/Brownian Dynamics simulations, revealing rich and controllable non-equilibrium surface structural behavior. Such multicomponent materials are expected to enable emergent properties for a range of applications.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-65278-x

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