An Unconventional Method for Production of Nanostructured Carbon Layers from Block Copolymer Thin Films Under Electric Fields

Abstract

In this study, a unique method to obtain nanostructured carbon layers by applying an external electric field to a carbon precursor composed of a block copolymer (BCP) thin film is described. A solution of poly(acrylonitrile-b-methyl methacrylate) (PAN-b-PMMA) was spin cast on a substrate and subjected to an external electric field. Subsequent thermal treatment produced carbonaceous thin films with a unique surface structure. The effects of field strength and exposure time on film morphology were assessed by atomic force microscopy (AFM). It was found that a critical field strength was required and longer exposure time was desirable to produce the final structure. This study demonstrates an alternative means of generating nanostructured carbon layers without employing toxic chemicals or potentially dangerous chemical processes, such as etching.