Variable Crystal Orientation of Poly(ethylene oxide) Confined within the Tubular Space Templated by Anodic Aluminum Oxide Nanochannels

Abstract

The use of nanoscale templates to confine the crystallization process is an effective approach for creating large-scale crystal orientation. Here we incorporated poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) into anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) nanochannels by a solution infiltration process to generate PEO nanotubes confined in the channels. The preferred crystal orientation of the PEO crystallites developed in the tubular space was then studied as a function of crystallization temperature (Tc), PEO molecular weight (MPEO), and AAO channel diameter (DAAO = 23 and 89 nm). Two distinct types of crystal orientation, i.e., perpendicular and tilt orientation with the (120) plane aligning along and tilting 45° away from the channel axis, respectively, were identified. Crystallization in the nanotubes templated by the AAO with DAAO of 23 nm led predominantly to perpendicularly oriented crystallites except for the high molecular weight PEO (MPEO = 95 000 g/mol), where a significant fraction of the crystallites showed tilt orientation....