Abstract
Although the solution self-assembly of block copolymers has enabled the fabrication of a broad range of complex, functional nanostructures, their precise manipulation and patterning remain a key challenge. Here we demonstrate that spherical and linear supermicelles, supramolecular structures held together by non-covalent solvophobic and coordination interactions and formed by the hierarchical self-assembly of block copolymer micelle and block comicelle precursors, can be manipulated, transformed and patterned with mediation by dynamic holographic assembly (optical tweezers). This allows the creation of new and stable soft-matter superstructures far from equilibrium. For example, individual spherical supermicelles can be optically held in close proximity and photocrosslinked through controlled coronal chemistry to generate linear oligomeric arrays. The use of optical tweezers also enables the directed deposition and immobilization of supermicelles on surfaces, allowing the precise creation of arrays of soft-matter nano-objects with potentially diverse functionality and a range of applications.
Highlights
The solution self-assembly of block copolymers has enabled the fabrication of a broad range of complex, functional nanostructures, their precise manipulation and patterning remain a key challenge
We describe the use of holographic optical tweezers for the manipulation, deposition and directed assembly of block copolymer (BCP) supermicelle supramolecular assemblies
The amphiphilic comicelle building blocks were prepared by living crystallizationdriven self-assembly (CDSA), whereby dissolved PFS-b-P2VP block copolymer unimers were added to short cylindrical PFS-b-PMVS micelles
Summary
The solution self-assembly of block copolymers has enabled the fabrication of a broad range of complex, functional nanostructures, their precise manipulation and patterning remain a key challenge. We demonstrate that spherical and linear supermicelles, supramolecular structures held together by non-covalent solvophobic and coordination interactions and formed by the hierarchical self-assembly of block copolymer micelle and block comicelle precursors, can be manipulated, transformed and patterned with mediation by dynamic holographic assembly (optical tweezers). This allows the creation of new and stable soft-matter superstructures far from equilibrium. The use of a spatial light modulator (SLM) and computergenerated holograms has enabled the generation of hundreds of traps in arbitrary three-dimensional configurations simultaneously Such techniques have been used for the organization of colloidal materials, a process termed ‘dynamic holographic assembly’[22]. We describe the use of holographic optical tweezers for the manipulation, deposition and directed assembly of block copolymer (BCP) supermicelle supramolecular assemblies
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