Abstract
We report a simple method to pattern wetting properties on thin films of periodic mesoporous organosilica (PMO). A hydrophobic methane PMO thin film was covered by masks and exposed to oxygen plasma to make the unmasked area hydrophilic. The wettability patterns could be revealed only when the films were immersed in water or exposed to moisture. We expect that our method would extend the utility of PMO to such areas as sensing and information security.
Highlights
We use methane periodic mesoporous organosilica (PMO), with a –CH2– bridge, as an archetype to demonstrate our patterning technique because at a temperature higher than 400 °C, the transformation of bridging – CH2– groups into terminal –CH3 groups hydrophobizes the surface of the pore wall[10,16,17] and exposes the terminal methyl groups for subsequent plasma treatment
We have demonstrated that plasma treatment of thermally-processed thin films of methane PMO is a fast and clean method to create patterns of wettability
We demonstrated a few interesting phenomena of wetting dynamics
Summary
Patterned porous materials combine the characteristics of a pattern, such as shape and dimensions, with the characteristics of a porous material, such as high surface area and large pore volume, to deliver functions that promise applications in sensors, catalysis, photonics, displays, microfluidics, and electronics.[1,2,3,4,5,6] Patterns of ordered mesoporous materials have been produced using self-assembled monolayers (SAMs),[2,7,8] photolithography,[4] micromolding in capillary,[1,6] direct writing,[5] ink-jet printing[5], and scanning electrochemical microscopy.[9]. We report a method to create patterns of different wettability on thin films of mesoporous organosilica.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
