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A novel UV lithographic technique for the patterning of the block copolymer (Pluronic) thin films is developed. The present method is based on UV-induced water affinity changes in block copolymer films. By water vapor post-treatment of the film, a difference in water content is established between UV illuminated and unilluminated sections, which can induce an osmotic pressure at the interface. This osmotic pressure drives the migration of Pluronic molecules, resulting in formation of patterns on the block copolymer films. Remarkably, this patterning method requires neither initiators nor polymerizable moieties which are essential for a conventional photolithographic approach. Additionally, the etching process is bypassed, eliminating the use of destructive acids or organic solvents and making this an environmentally friendly patterning protocol. It is reported that Pluronic is photo-responsive to UV exposure, which causes the dehydration of the PEO-PPO-PEO backbone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new approach for the fabrication of homogeneous HKUST-1 [Cu3(BTC)2] coatings on copper metal plates, 3D objects, and as patterns, is here proposed. The conversion can be performed at room temperature in approximately 30 minutes using an aqueous ethanolic mixture. The two step conversion mechanism occurs via the formation of Cu(OH)2 nanotubes. Microscopic time-course monitoring reveals the conversion steps. The adhesion of the metal organic-framework (MOF) crystals, as well as the functional properties of the resulting supported catalyst, are successfully tested. The versatility of the conversion mechanism on different metal copper substrates is investigated as well; in particular, a photolithography protocol is proposed for the preparation of MOF patterns. This protocol offers several features (short processing time, applicability to any copper metal object, low cost of the equipment, room temperature conditions) that would make it favorable for basic research and industrial exploitation of MOF capabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Controlling metal–organic framework (MOF) growth on different substrates is crucial for device fabrication. An Australian–Japanese collaboration between M. Takahashi, P. Falcaro, and co‐workers demonstrates on page 1969 how MOF coatings on flat plates, 3D surfaces, and patterns can be fabricated using a facile, two‐step conversion process at room temperature with aqueous/alocholic solutions. Using copper substrates, nanotubes are grown and then quickly converted to MOF crystals, and MOF patterns are fabricated using sunlight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]