A. Fine-tuning of ordered structures of BCPs in thin films

In the self-assembly of sphere-forming block copolymers, the optimal packing structure is determined by a balance between entropic and enthalpic contributions. These contributions can be modulated by controlling external environments such as temperature and solvent quality. We investigate process-condition-dependent structural transformations of BCPs in thin films.

Representative paper

• Direct Approach to High-Resolution, Square-Lattice Alternating Nanodot Array by Breaking Hexagonal Symmetry of Block Copolymer Spheres (Sci. Adv., 2025)

• A Single Crystal 2D Hexagonal Array in a Centimeter Scale with a Self-Directed Assembly of Diblock Copolymer Spheres (ACS Nano, 2022)

• Shear-Solvo Defect Annihilation of Diblock Copolymer Thin Films over a Large Area (Sci. Adv., 2019)

B. Controlling disorder in BCP thin films

Disordered structures at the nanoscale have received increasing interest owing to their unique capability to localize wave-like quasiparticles - a renowned phenomenon known as Anderson localization. We present a methodology to construct such disordered structures by deliberately introducing a controlled degree of defects into hexagonal arrays of sphere- and cylinder-forming BCPs. By tuning various parameters such as metal precursor concentration and temperature, the spectrum of disorder is broadened. Our research potentially offers a platform for designing and engineering disordered systems that could mediate quasiparticle localization.

C. Interfacial self-assembly of BCPs at the air–water interface

Amphiphilic block copolymers (BCPs) can form two-dimensionally confined structures through self-assembly at the air–water interface. These interfacial self-assembled BCP nanostructures can be used directly or applied to control interfacial energy. In both cases, we conduct systematic experiments by controlling various experimental parameters and investigate how these parameters affect the nanostructures of BCPs. Our research provides a new strategy for fabricating uniform arrays of diverse BCP nanopatterns and exploring their further applications.

Representative paper

• Constructing a Comprehensive Nanopattern Library through Morphological Transitions of Block Copolymer Surface Micelles via Direct Solvent Immersion  (Small, 2024)

• Facile and Fast Interfacial Engineering Using a Frustrated Interfacial Self-Assembly of Block Copolymers for Sub-10-nm Block Copolymer Nanopatterning   (Adv. Funct. Mater., 2022)

• Universal Interfacial Control through Polymeric Nanomosaic Coating for Block Copolymer Nanopatterning (ACS Nano, 2020)