title: Use of low-temperature thermal alkylation to eliminate ink migration in microcontact printed patterns.
abstract: We demonstrate aqueous hydrogel-based microcontact printing of amine ligands into solvent-templated nanocavities of chloromethylphenyl-based siloxane or thin polymer films. Migration of pyridine ligands within films following printing, which can compromise pattern fidelity, is eliminated by heat treatment of the substrate. Gentle heating (e.g., 50 degrees C, 5 min) leads to the efficient alkylation of mobile pyridine adsorbate by the C-Cl bonds of the film, covalently tethering the adsorbate to the surface as a pyridinium salt. Subsequent binding of a Pd-based colloid to surface pyridinium (and remaining strongly bound and immobile pyridine ligand) sites permits selective electroless metal deposition and fabrication of patterned metal films.
authors.affiliation: Center for Bio/Molecular Science & Engineering (Code 6950), Naval Research Laboratory, 4555 Overlook Avenue, S.W. Washington, DC 20375-5348, USA. slb@cbmse.nrl.navy.mil
authors.forename: Susan L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Brandow
authors.forename: Terence L
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: Schull
authors.forename: Brett D
authors.initials: BD
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.forename: Daniel C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Guerin
authors.forename: Walter J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Dressick