Pore-Selective SnS Functionalization in Honeycomb-Patterned Films by a Breath Figure Process Accompanied by Chemical Reaction

A new fabrication process for the pore-selective functionalization of honeycomb-patterned porous (HCP) films is demonstrated by a modified breath figure method accompanied by an in situ chemical reaction. A polymer solution containing one reactant is cast under humid conditions containing counter reactant to facilitate a chemical reaction at condensed droplet/polymer solution interface, which results in the pore-selective functionalization of HCP films. Polystyrene (PS) solution containing tin(II) chloride is cast under humid conditions containing aqueous hydrogen sulfide for the formation of tin sulfide (SnS)-functionalized PS HCP films. H2S humidity is generated by pumping ambient air through the aqueous sodium sulfide solution. Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and elemental mapping analyses indicate the formation of SnS as thin layers selectively in the pores of PS HCP films.