Molecularly Functionalized Silicon Substrates for Orientation Control of the Microphase Separation of PS‑b‑PMMA and PS‑b‑PDMS Block Copolymer Systems

The use of block copolymer (BCP) thin films to generate nanostructured surfaces for device and other applications requires precise control of interfacial energies to achieve the desired domain orientation. Usually, the surface chemistry is engineered through the use of homo- or random copolymer brushes grown or attached to the surface. Herein, we demonstrate a facile, rapid, and tunable approach to surface functionalization using a molecular approach based on ethylene glycol attachment to the surface. The effectiveness of the molecular approach is demonstrated for the microphase separation of PS-b-PMMA and PS-b-PDMS BCPs in thin films and the development of nanoscale features at the substrate.