Spatial-controlled nanoengineered films prepared: Via rapid catalyst induced cross-linking

Abstract

A new top-down approach to generate stable nanoscale films via catalyst induced cross-linking (CIC) is demonstrated. Polymers with various compositions and bearing pendent norbornene groups (defined as macrocross-linkers) are initially spin-coated onto substrates to form nanometre-thick films; when the films are brought into contact with a catalyst solution, ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP)-mediated cross-linking efficiently occurs to lock the film into place. CIC provides a new paradigm for the fabrication of stable nanoscale films and provides an alternative to traditional methods that use external stimuli (e.g., heat or light) to trigger film cross-linking. The process requir..