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A micelle (maɪˈsɛl) or micella (maɪˈsɛlə) (plural micelles or micellae, respectively) is an aggregate (or supramolecular assembly) of surfactant amphipathic lipid molecules dispersed in a liquid, forming a colloidal suspension (also known as associated colloidal system). A typical micelle in water forms an aggregate with the hydrophilic "head" regions in contact with surrounding solvent, sequestering the hydrophobic single-tail regions in the micelle centre. This phase is caused by the packing behavior of single-tail lipids in a bilayer. The difficulty filling all the volume of the interior of a bilayer, while accommodating the area per head group forced on the molecule by the hydration of the lipid head group, leads to the formation of the micelle. This type of micelle is known as a normal-phase micelle (oil-in-water micelle). Inverse micelles have the head groups at the centre with the tails extending out (water-in-oil micelle). Micelles are approximately spherical in shape. Ot

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Surface Nanostructuring by Molecular Self-Assembly

Jürgen Brugger, Harry Heinzelmann, Sivashankar Krishnamoorthy, Raphaël Pugin

Two dimensionally ordered, monodisperse nanoparticle arrays of metals, metal oxides and possibly alloys can be obtained by using functional diblock copolymer micelles as templates. Tunability of the block copolymer micelle sizes and periodicities has been shown in literature by changing the block ratios, substrates and dip coating speeds. Means of obtaining a two dimensional periodic array of iron oxide containing nanoparticles (and other nanoparticle arrays in general) by using Poly(styrene-block-acrylic acid) micelles is discussed. Tunability of Poly(styrene-block-vinyl pyridine) micelles in the range of 50-150 nm obtained by choice of solvents, polymer solution concentration and spin coating rotation speeds is highlighted.

2004

Tuning the Dimensions and Periodicities of Nanostructures Starting from the Same Polystyrene-block-poly(2-vinylpyridine) Diblock Copolymer

Jürgen Brugger, Harry Heinzelmann, Sivashankar Krishnamoorthy, Raphaël Pugin

The controlled tuning of the characteristic dimensions of two-dimensional arrays of block-copolymer reverse micelles deposited on silicon surfaces is demonstrated. The polymer used is polystyrene-block-poly(2-vinylpyridine) (91500-b-105000 g mol–1). Reverse micelles of this polymer with different aggregation numbers have been obtained from different solvents. The periodicity of the micellar array can be systematically varied by changing copolymer concentration, spin-coating speeds, and by using solvent mixtures. The profound influence of humidity on the micellar film structure and the tuning of the film topography through control of humidity are presented. Light scattering, atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used for characterization. As possible applications, replication of micellar array topography with polydimethylsiloxane and post-loading of the micelles to form iron oxide nanoparticle arrays are presented.

2006

Surface Nanostructuring through block copolymer self-assembly

Jürgen Brugger, Harry Heinzelmann, Sivashankar Krishnamoorthy, Raphaël Pugin

Synthesis of nanostructures using polymer self-assembly methods have gained widespread attention due to the multitude of possibilities they offer and their simple and cost-effective approaches. Self-assembly of block copolymers has been recognized as a promising means of creating functional nanostructures in both bulk and on surfaces. The nanostructures formed by block copolymers have been useful for their chemistries, morphology and dimensions. Block copolymers form micelles when dissolved in selective solvents. Several morphologies have been reported for micelles like spherical, cylindrical, and worm-like. Spherical micelles form an ordered array on surface under appropriate conditions of preparation and coating. Their orderly arrangement along with their dimensions offers a simple way of achieving high density nanoscale patterned surfaces. This presentation will highlight our recent work on the use of block copolymer micellar self-assembly as a novel platform to create functional interfaces. The development of a tool box consisting of micellar arrays with tunable micelle dimensions and array periodicities on surface and the application of micellar arrays for both its topography and chemistry will be discussed.

2005

MSE-425: Soft matter

The first part of the course is devoted to the self-assembly of molecules. In the second part we discuss basic physical chemical principles of polymers in solutions, at interfaces, and in bulk. Finally, we look at colloids and emulsions.

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Introduction à la physique des polymères et aux liens entre structures chimiques et propriétés macroscopiques, avec accent sur la morphologie et le comportement thermomécanique. Méthodes de mise en œuvre, fournissant les bases nécessaires à la sélection des polymères dans un contexte industriel.

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Acquire an understanding of interfacial phenomena, micro-heterogeneous colloidal solution systems and dynamic electrochemistry.

Surfactant

Surfactants are chemical compounds that decrease the surface tension or interfacial tension between two liquids, a liquid and a gas, or a liquid and a solid. Surfactants may function as emulsifiers,

Lipid bilayer

The lipid bilayer (or phospholipid bilayer) is a thin polar membrane made of two layers of lipid molecules. These membranes are flat sheets that form a continuous barrier around all cells. The cell

Amphiphile

An amphiphile (from the Greek αμφις amphis, both, and φιλíα philia, love, friendship), or amphipath, is a chemical compound possessing both hydrophilic (water-loving, polar) and lipophilic (fat-lovi