Synthesis, characterization and applications of mesoporous thin films

A novel and rapid route for synthesis of mesoporous materials has been developed where dip-coating produces mesoporous thin films in seconds and under ambient conditions. The method has proven to be effective with several different surfactant types, is capable of producing hexagonal, cubic and lamellar structure and can also produce a nanocomposite structure comprised of alternating surfactant, silica and polymer layers.; The structural formation of these materials has been studied with two new techniques, both of which provide real-time, in-situ, non-intrusive information about the system. The first is an optical technique where fluorescence depolarization monitors microviscosity as the film dries. Degree of polarization values are correlated with onset of micelle formation or, in the case of the nanocomposite, arrangement of the polymer phase. The second technique is an electrochemical one where the real component of complex impedance is monitored as the film dries. Variations in the rate of change of impedance are correlated with the onset of micelle formation.; Finally, an application for mesoporous materials has been found. Ordered arrays of quantum dots were deposited onto the mesoporous films, proving not only that the films can serve as templates for nanoscaled structures but also that they can withstand the processing conditions standard in the semiconductor industry.