Metal-containing polymers are of wide-spread interest, and tuning of their structure and architectures is of importance when applications of these potentially functional materials are considered. Here we use ionic self-assembly, a facile noncovalent approach where oppositely charged building blocks are used to create assembled and hierarchical structures, to access non-conventional metal-containing block copolymer morphologies. We showed that intricate morphological control is possible through changes of block ratios of polyferrocenylsilane block copolymers and surfactant architecture, leading to the formation of hierarchical constructs containing helical structures in the solid state, with a pitch length of ca. 18nm. Exploiting the ability of polyferrocenyl-based polymers to be addressed through redox chemistries, we induced surface relief gratings (SRGs) into such materials by complexation with functional azobenzene surfactants. After SRG inscription, we show a degree of addressability, as well as the production of all-inorganic SRGs through plasma treatment. Further systems, related to crystallisation-driven self-assembled structures, are currently explored for the production of hierarchical structures and semiconductor devices.

From structure to function: Exploring applications for metal-containing polymer and related systems

254th National Meeting (2017)

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