US 7,625,765 B2 · Directed assembly of functional heterostructures

Abstract

The present invention relates to a systematic process for the creation of functionally organized, spatially patterned assemblies polymer-microparticle composites including the AC electric field-mediated assembly of patterned, self supporting organic (polymeric) films and organic (polymeric)-microparticle composite films of tailored composition and morphology; the present invention further relates to the incorporation of said assemblies into other structures. The present invention also relates to the application of such functional assemblies in materials science and biology. Additional areas of application include sensors, catalysts, membranes, micro-reactors, smart materials. Miniaturized format for generation of multifunctional thin films. Provides a simple set-up to synthesize thin films of tailored composition and morphology.

Claims23

Dependent claims

A method of forming a patterned polymeric film, comprising the steps of:

providing in a first plane a patterned first electrode, wherein the patterning defines areas on the first electrode surface where, under appropriate conditions, polymerization will take place, and a second electrode in a second plane;
providing a polymerization composition between said first and second electrodes;
and
generating an AC electric field with said first electrode and heating the said polymerization composition, such that the combination of said first electrode patterning, heat and said AC field results in polymerization of the said polymerization composition and formation of a polymeric film in said defined areas of the first electrode, and removing the unpolymerized polymerization composition to form a pattern in the film corresponding to the unpolymerized composition which was removed.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Directed assembly of functional heterostructures

Life of this patent

Directed assembly of functional heterostructures

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims23