Laser Writing of Block-Copolymer Images into Mesopores Using SBDC-Initiated Visible-Light-Induced Polymerization

Abstract

For miniaturization, as well as for improving artificial nanopore performance, precise local polymer functionalization and the combination of different functionalities are required. Imagining data driven nanopore design automated nanopore functionalization would be beneficial. Using direct laser writing as one option of automated nanopore polymer functionalization visible light induced polymerizations are beneficial. Here, we demonstrate the functionalization of mesoporous silicafilms with two different polymers using automated laser writing. For this we developed a visible light (400–700 nm and 405 nm) N,N(diethylamino)dithiocarbamoylbenzyl(trimethoxy)silane (SBDC) inifierter initiated polymerization. While transferring this visible light induced polymerization using SBDC to a commercially available microscope, direct, automated laser writing, as well as polymer re-initiation was demonstrated. Thereby, polymer spots of 37 and 40 μm in diameter were achieved using 1–5 seconds for each irradiated spot.