The systematic tunability of nanoparticle dimensions through the controlled loading of surface-deposited diblock copolymer micelles.

The continuous tunability of iron oxide nanoparticle dimensions is demonstrated using the pH controlled loading of ferric nitrate from aqueous solution into polystyrene-block-polyacrylic acid reverse micelles deposited on a silicon substrate. Quasi-hexagonally ordered two-dimensional arrays of iron oxide nanoparticles with a systematic tunability of particle heights in the sub-10 nm regime and a constant periodicity are obtained and characterized with atomic force microscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.

Tunable, high aspect ratio pillars on diverse substrates using copolymer micelle lithography: an interesting platform for applications.

We demonstrate the use of copolymer micelle lithography using polystyrene-block-poly(2-vinylpyridine) reverse micelle thin films in their as-coated form to create nanopillars with tunable dimensions and spacing, on different substrates such as silicon, silicon oxide, silicon nitride and quartz. The promise of the approach as a versatile application oriented platform is highlighted by demonstrating its utility for creating super-hydrophobic surfaces, fabrication of nanoporous polymeric membranes, and controlling the areal density of physical vapor deposition derived titanium nitride nanostructures.

Rapid Screening of Olefin Polymerization Catalyst Libraries by Electrospray Ionization Tandem Mass Spectrometry.

The simultaneous screening of catalysts according to their propensity for catalyzing the polymerization of ethylene (see scheme) can be achieved with the help of electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. A small (eight catalysts) library of Pd(II) complexes synthesized simultaneously in a one-pot reaction has demonstrated the efficiency of this new screening technique. This method could be widened to libraries of other olefin polymerization catalysts.