Recognizing the factors that contribute to the stability of mesoporous films assembled from ligand-stripped (or “naked") doped metal oxide nanocrystals and amphiphilic block copolymer architecture-directing agents is vital to their fabrication into films for low-cost, solution processable devices. Here, we present our recent efforts in the quantitative analysis of order-disorder transitions, framework stability, or conversely framework collapse, by systematically varying nanocrystal weight fraction relative to the block copolymer for a variety of block copolymer sizes. Using image analysis techniques for top-down and cross-sectional SEM, along with analysis by GISAXS and a 3-D representation of the framework from STEM tomography, we can provide a greater understanding of the role nanocrystal-nanocrystal contacts contributes to well-controlled assemblies and precise framework architectures across multiple length scales.

Framework stability vs. collapse: Quantifying the role of nearest-neighbor nanocrystal bonding as a key factor in determining order in mesoporous colloidal nanocrystal frameworks

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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