Submicron Patterning of Polymer Brushes: An Unexpected Discovery from Inkjet Printing of Polyelectrolyte Macroinitiators

Abstract

Using an electrostatic-based super inkjet printer we report the high-resolution deposition of polyelectrolyte macroinitiators and subsequent polymer brush growth using SI-ARGET-ATRP. We go on to demonstrate for the first time a submicron patterning phenomenon through the addition of either a like charged polyelectrolyte homopolymer or through careful control of ionic strength. As a result patterning of polymer brushes down to ca. 300 nm is reported. We present a possible mechanistic model and consider how this may be applied to other polyelectrolyte-based systems as a general method for submicron patterning.