Published In
Proceedings of SPIE
Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Publication Date
2009
Subjects
DNanolithography, Atomic force microscopy, Nanostructures, Thin films, Proton transfer reactions
Abstract
We report the creation of nano-structures via Dip Pen Nanolithography by locally exploiting the mechanical response of polymer thin films to an acidic environment. Protonation of cross linked poly(4-vinylpyridine) (P4VP) leads to a swelling of the polymer. We studied this process by using an AFM tip coated with a pH 4 buffer. Protons migrate through a water meniscus between tip and sample into the polymer matrix and interact with the nitrogen of the pyridyl group forming a pyridinium cation. The increase in film thickness, which is due to Coulomb repulsion between the charged centers, was investigated using Atomic Force Microscopy. The smallest structures achieved had a width of about 40 nm. Different control experiments support our claim that the protonation is the reason for the swelling and therefore the formation of the structures. Kelvin probe force microscopy measurements suggest the presence of counter ions which compensate the positively charged pyridinium ions. We investigated the influence of the water meniscus on the structure formation by varying the relative humidity in the range from 5% to 60% for different dwell times. The diffusion of protons and counter ions is humidity-dependent and requires a water meniscus.
DOI
10.1117/12.821466
Persistent Identifier
http://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/10165
Citation Details
C. Maedler, H. Graaf, S. Chada, M. Yan, and A. La Rosa, "Nano-structure Formation Driven by Local Protonation of Polymer Thin Films", Proc. SPIE 7364, 736409-1 – 736409-8 (2009).
Description
This is the author’s version of a work that was accepted for publication in the Proceedings of SPIE. Copyright 2009 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers. One print or electronic copy may be made for personal use only. Systematic electronic or print reproduction and distribution, duplication of any material in this paper for a fee or for commercial purposes, or modification of the content of the paper are prohibited.