Abstract
Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) domains in phase-separatedpolystyrene-b-poly(methylmethacrylate) (PS-b-PMMA) diblock copolymer thin films were chemically modified forcontrolled placement of solution synthesized Au nanoparticles having a meandiameter of 24 nm. Colloidal Au nanoparticles functionalized with thiocticacid were immobilized on amine functionalized PMMA domains on thePS-b-PMMA template using 1-ethyl-3-[3-dimethylaminopropyl] carbodiimide hydrochloride linking chemistryand N-hydroxy sulfosuccinimide stabilizer. Atomic force microscopy and scanning electronmicroscopy images demonstrated immobilization of Au nanoparticles commensurate withPMMA domains. Nanoparticles form into clusters of single particles, dimers, and linearchains as directed by the PMMA domain size and shape. Capillary forces influence thespacing between Au nanoparticles on PMMA domains. Inter-particle spacings below 3 nmwere achieved and these assemblies of closely spaced nanoparticle clusters are expected toexhibit strong localized electromagnetic fields. Thus, these processes and material systemsprovide an experimental platform for studying resonantly enhanced excitations of surfaceplasmons as a function of material and geometric structure as well as utilization incatalytic applications.
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