Patterned structures self-assembled from nanoparticle-polymer mixtures confined in square-pillar arrays

Using the hybrid self-consistent field and density functional theories, we investigate the self-assembling behavior of nanoparticle-polymer mixtures confined in square-pillar arrays. By varying the volume fraction of nanoparticles and the sizes of the system and the pillar, various patterned structures are achieved. The predicted structures can be reasonably comprehended by the competition between entropy and enthalpy of nanoparticles and polymers. The results play an important role in understanding array confinement and provide a helpful guidance for designing the functionally useful microstructures.