As the importance of three-dimensiona (3D) nano patterns and structures has recently emerged, interest in the study of 3D structures of block copolymers has increased. However, most existing studies on block copolymer 3D patterns on substrates are limited to simple 3D structures such as a multi-layered forms. In this study, we propose an experimental method for realizing free-standing 3D block copolymer patterns on substrates using an e-beam lithographic template and film transfer method. The block copolymer 3D structure formed in wide hole templates are similar to simple multi-layered structures; however, as the width of the hole template become narrower, more complex block copolymer 3D structures are formed in which the upper and lower layer structures are interconnected. Furthermore, we introduce a method to fabricate novel block copolymer structures in which the 2D planar structures are connected to 3D complex structures. Proposed 3D block copolymer fabrication method provides a framework for generation of unconventional 3D structures of block copolymer, which can be useful for next generation 3D devices.

A class of phenolphthalein anilide based poly(ethersulfone) (PES) block copolymers containing pendent quaternary ammonium (QA) groups was prepared as anion exchange membranes by reaction involving nucleophilic substitution, benzylic bromination, quaternization and anion exchange with hydroxide ions. Hexafluorobenzene (HFB) was utilized as a linkage group between the hydrophobic and hydrophilic oligomer blocks. Nano-phase separated membrane morphology due to block structure of poly (ethersulfone) serves for better management of absorbed water for higher hydroxide conductivity with good thermal, and dimensional stability. The water uptake, swelling ratio, conductivity, and chemical stability of the copolymer membranes were comparatively investigated.

The anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs) have been noticed as the promising power sources. One of the most important components in AEMFC is the anion exchange membranes(AEMs). Recently various materials for AEMs have been investigated for fuel cell applications. Imidazolium-based long alkyl chain multiblock copolymers have drawn much interest due to their well-defined phase separation between hydrophilic and hydrophobic blocks. We report herein the investigation of the effect of block ratio on the phase separation as well as mechanical and electrical properties of the corresponding membranes.

Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) are considered as prospective energy conversion systems because of high efficiency and environmental advantage. However, the current PEMFC technology uses commercialized perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) polymers as a proton exchange membrane, which has the issues of high production cost, poor recyclability at intermediate temperature. In this study, We have synthesized a non-fluorinated hydrocarbon membrane. Also, non-fluorinated membrane has a symmetric chemical structure and sulfonated block copolymer was prepared and characterized using 1H-NMR, and the proton conductivity, ion exchange capacity (IEC), and water uptake. properties were evaluated. The synthesis, characteristic and fuel cell performance and newly prepared membrane will be discussed.

The proton exchange membrane fuel cells(PEMFCs) have been noticed as the promising power sources. One of the important components in PEMFC is the proton exchange membranes(PEMs). Recently various materials for PEMs have been investigated for fuel cell applications. Sulfonated aromatic hydrocarbon-based multiblock copolymers have drawn much interest due to their well-defined phase separation between hydrophilic and hydrophobic blocks. In our group, multiblock copolymers based on highly sulfonated poly(fluorenyl ether sulfone)s were developed as highly conductive and stable polymer electrolyte membranes. We report herein the investigation of the influence of phase separation and properties by block length of the corresponding membranes.

Poly(oxypropylene-oxyethylene glycol) block copolymer(PBC) oil dispersant, which has low toxicity, high biodegradability, and an excellent dispersion efficiency to crude oils and weathered W/O emulsion was prepared by blending PBC, poly(oxyethylene) oleate, and sorbitan monooleate. The dispersing efficiency was measured by swirling flask method. The PBC oil dispersant had an excellent dispersing efficiency to weathered oil products formed as stable W/O emulsion, and the low toxicity, such as 4000 ppm to Oryzias Latipes(24 hr, TLM), Brine Shrimp Artemia(24 hr, TLM).

Micelle formation and adsorption at the Ti02 interface of a series of polystyrene-polythylene oxide(PS-PEO) block copolymer in aqueous solution was studied using fluorescence probing and small-angle X-ray methods. Further, the stability of aqueous Ti02 dispersion in the presence of copolymer was investigated by microelectrophoresis, optical density and sedimentation measurements. The dissolution of pyrene as fluorescent probe in aqueous surfactant solution leads to a slow decrease of the I1/I3 ratio, as the copolymer concentration increase; I1 and I3 are respectively the intensities of the first and third vibrionic peaks in the pyrene fluorescence emission. The behaviour was due to the characteristics of the copolymers and/or to the copolymer association efficiency in water. Moreover, the adsorption at the plateau level increases with decreasing PEO until chain length. The zeta potential of TiO2 particles decreases with increasing copolymer concentration and reaches a plateau value. Finally, stabilization using block copolymers was more effective with samples having higher weight fractions of PS block.