Macromolecular self-organized assemblies

Macromolecular assemblies can be self-organized into patterns with controllable feature sizes ranging from ∼10 Å to ∼100 μm. Smallest features are produced by organizing macromolecules into a Langmuir–Blodgett film. Using this method, we have produced quasiperiodic arrays of metal oxide islands with peroidicities as small as 9 Å. Larger (20–200 Å) extremely monodisperse features can be obtained by causing single polymer chains to self-organize into a coiled spherical ball on the surface of a substrate. By using narrow molecular weight distribution polymer chains, the standard deviation of the ball diameter can be made as small as ∼8 Å. The largest features produced come from self-organization in the assemblage of macromolecular colloidal particles (natural lithography). A wide variety of geometrical packing arrangements can be produced by controlling methods used to coat colloidal particles into a substrate. In particular, the use of surface textures to induce a form of graphoepitaxy in colloidal particle packing is discussed.