Self-rolled polymer and composite polymer/metal micro- and nanotubes with patterned inner walls

Micro- and nanotubes with interior patterns (see Figure) are fabricated by self-rolling of thin poly(4-vinylpyridine)/polystyrene bilayer films. The bending moment in the film arises from selective swelling of the crosslinked poly(4-vinylpyridine) layer in acidic water. Composite polymer/metal tubes are produced by magnetron sputtering of gold onto the top of the polymer film. The interiors of the tubes are patterned by microcontact printing patterns onto the polymer bilayer films prior to rolling.