Fabian Eller1,Remco W.A. Havenith2,3,Eva M Herzig1
Dynamics and Structure Formation - Herzig Group, Physikalisches Institut, Universität Bayreuth1,Stratingh Institute for Chemistry and Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, Rijksuniversiteit Groningen2,Ghent Quantum Chemistry Group, Department of Chemistry, Ghent University3
Fabian Eller1,Remco W.A. Havenith2,3,Eva M Herzig1
Dynamics and Structure Formation - Herzig Group, Physikalisches Institut, Universität Bayreuth1,Stratingh Institute for Chemistry and Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, Rijksuniversiteit Groningen2,Ghent Quantum Chemistry Group, Department of Chemistry, Ghent University3
The functionality of polymers is strongly controlled by their neighbour-neighbour interaction and hence how they are arranged within a functional thin film. Besides the choice of the chemical structure, one of the main factors are the processing parameters that are decisively influencing the arrangement of the polymers within the final film after deposition. It is therefore of interest to examine the opportunities for exploiting processing conditions solely based on systematic variation of external parameters. For example, the lateral phase segregation within a binary thin film can be achieved via the application of an external electric field during processing [1].<br/>We present ways that allow structural control in final thin films using external processing parameters. This way we can strongly influence the film forming behaviour on defined timescales. Furthermore, we can demonstrate that the induced morphology changes persist and withstand different environmental influences. We systematically examine the solution phase and final film morphology with GIWAXS, UV-VIS-spectroscopy and DSC to fully characterize the effect of the external processing parameters on the various stages within the processing. Moreover, we pair these experimental results with theoretical calculations to generate a consistent picture of the fundamental processes leading to the observed behaviour on different length scales. This thorough understanding of the fundamental mechanisms in combination with a screening of several relevant, modern material systems enables us to give predictions about the exploitation of the presented approach for potential applications.<br/>[1] Electrophoresis Assisted Printing: A Method To Control the Morphology in Organic Thin Films, S. Pröller, O. Filonik, F. Eller, S. Mansi, C. Zhu, E. Schaible, A. Hexemer, P. Müller-Buschbaum, E. M. Herzig, ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces 2020 12 (5), 5219-5225 , DOI: 10.1021/acsami.9b18064