6533b825fe1ef96bd1281e94
RESEARCH PRODUCT
Self-Assembly of block copolymers into internally ordered microparticles
Xiaolian QiangAndré H. GröschelChin Ken WongAxel H. E. Müllersubject
NanostructureMaterials sciencePolymers and PlasticsOrganic ChemistryChemieNanoparticleNanotechnology02 engineering and technologySurfaces and Interfaces010402 general chemistry021001 nanoscience & nanotechnology01 natural sciences0104 chemical sciencesColloidMaterials ChemistryCeramics and CompositesCopolymerNanomedicineSelf-assembly0210 nano-technologyScience technology and societyPorositydescription
Abstract Block copolymer (BCP) self-assembly is one of the most versatile concepts for the bottom-up design of functional nanostructures in materials science, nanomedicine and nanotechnology. While BCPs have been extensively studied regarding their microphase separation in bulk and the self-assembly in solution, only recently BCPs were investigated for their ability to form internally ordered microparticles. In this review, we discuss two emerging concepts: (i) the microphase separation of BCPs in the spherical confinement of evaporating emulsion droplets and (ii) the self-assembly of highly asymmetric BCPs under concentrated conditions. While the first concept yields solid and compact multicompartment microparticles suited for the synthesis of shape-anisotropic nanoparticles, photonic colloids, and actuators, the latter produces highly regular porous microparticles with exceptional interfacial area (BCP cubosomes and hexosomes). Despite distinct differences in the origin of both fields, commonalities in shape and morphology suggest an underlying formation mechanism that may link both research directions.
| year | journal | country | edition | language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-03-01 |