Nanolithographic electropolymerization of a precursor polymer film to form conducting nanopatterns

Abstract

The formation of conducting nanopatterns using electrochemical nanolithography on an ultrathin polymer film of an electroactive precursor polymer, poly(vinylcarbazole) (PVK), was discussed. In the process, a negative voltage bias was applied to the atomic force microscopy (AFM) tip, which acts as the cathode. The electrochemical oxidation occurs on a dielectric material coated on a conducting electrode, which acts as the anode. The electrochemical crosslinking of the carbazole units results in both higher conductivity and formation of relief structures.