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Polymers
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Block Copolymers: Synthesis, Self-Assembly and Application
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Block Copolymers: Synthesis, Self-Assembly and Application

A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Polymer Chemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (25 April 2024) | Viewed by 9667

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Hui Sun

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of High-Efficiency Coal Utilization and Green Chemical Engineering, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, China
Interests: polymer self-assembly; amphiphilic homopolymer; anisotropic nanoparticle; micro/nanomotor; polymer-based carbon nanomaterial; catalysis; biomedical application

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues, 

Block copolymers are one of the most attractive classes of polymer in polymer chemistry and polymer physics, and have shown unique properties in both bulk and solution self-assembly due to the microphase separation of different blocks. Despite the rapid development of this field in the last three decades, the emerging technologies of the synthetic methodology, self-assembly strategies and application exploration bring new avenues for the synthesis, self-assembly and application of block copolymers.

In this Special Issue, we aim to give readers an overview of the state-of-the-art research and recent development of block copolymers. This Special Issue will cover the new technologies used to prepare block copolymers with precisely controlled multi-segments, block composition, molecular weight and polydispersity; the preparation of functional materials by bulk and solution self-assembly (e.g., membranes, micelles, vesicles, cylinders) as well as the controlled manipulation of their microstructures; and the potential applications of block copolymers, including water remediation, energy storage and catalysis, anticancer therapy, antimicrobial therapy, immune therapy, etc.

Dr. Hui Sun
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Polymers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • block copolymer
  • self-assembly
  • soft nanomaterial
  • nanoparticles
  • film and membrane
  • catalysis
  • anticancer
  • antimicrobial

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 3475 KiB  
Article
Preparation and Characterization of Soft-Hard Block Copolymer of 3,4-IP-b-s-1,2-PBD Using a Robust Iron-Based Catalyst System
by Yingnan Zhao, Shiliang Xu, Yao Yu, Heng Liu, Feng Wang, Lihua Na, Qi Yang, Chunyu Zhang and Xuequan Zhang
Polymers 2024, 16(8), 1172; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16081172 - 21 Apr 2024
Viewed by 397
Abstract
A series of well-defined diblock copolymers, namely, 3,4-polyisoprene-block-syndiotactic-1,2-polybutadiene (3,4-PI-b-s-1,2-PBD), with a soft–hard block sequence were synthesized via an in situ sequential polymerization process using a robust iron-based catalytic system Fe(acac)3/(isocyanoimino) triptenylphosphorane (IITP)/Ali [...] Read more.
A series of well-defined diblock copolymers, namely, 3,4-polyisoprene-block-syndiotactic-1,2-polybutadiene (3,4-PI-b-s-1,2-PBD), with a soft–hard block sequence were synthesized via an in situ sequential polymerization process using a robust iron-based catalytic system Fe(acac)3/(isocyanoimino) triptenylphosphorane (IITP)/AliBu3. This catalyst exhibits vigorous activity and temperature tolerance, achieving a polymerization activity of 5.41 × 106 g mol(Fe)−1 h−1 at 70 °C with a [IP]/[Fe] ratio of 15,000. Moreover, the quasi-living polymerization characteristics of the catalyst were verified through kinetic experiments. The first-stage polymerization of isoprene (IP) is performed at 30 °C to give a soft 3,4-PI block, and then a quantitative amount of 1,3-butadiene was added in situ to the quasi-living polymerization system to produce a second hard s-1,2-PBD. The s-1,2-PBD segments in block copolymers display a rodlike morphology contrasting with the spherulitic morphology characteristic of s-1,2-PBD homopolymers. The precise tunability of the length of the soft and hard chain segments of these novel elastic materials with the feed ratio of IP and BD, endowing them with outstanding mechanical properties and excellent dynamic mechanical properties, which are expected to be promising high-performance rubber materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Block Copolymers: Synthesis, Self-Assembly and Application)
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26 pages, 9023 KiB  
Article
Improved Route to Linear Triblock Copolymers by Coupling with Glycidyl Ether-Activated Poly(ethylene oxide) Chains
by Daniel T. Krause, Susanna Krämer, Vassilios Siozios, Andreas J. Butzelaar, Martin Dulle, Beate Förster, Patrick Theato, Joachim Mayer, Martin Winter, Stephan Förster, Hans-Dieter Wiemhöfer and Mariano Grünebaum
Polymers 2023, 15(9), 2128; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15092128 - 29 Apr 2023
Viewed by 1425
Abstract
Poly(ethylene oxide) block copolymers (PEOz BCP) have been demonstrated to exhibit remarkably high lithium ion (Li+) conductivity for Li+ batteries applications. For linear poly(isoprene)-b-poly(styrene)-b-poly(ethylene oxide) triblock copolymers (PIxPSyPEOz), a [...] Read more.
Poly(ethylene oxide) block copolymers (PEOz BCP) have been demonstrated to exhibit remarkably high lithium ion (Li+) conductivity for Li+ batteries applications. For linear poly(isoprene)-b-poly(styrene)-b-poly(ethylene oxide) triblock copolymers (PIxPSyPEOz), a pronounced maximum ion conductivity was reported for short PEOz molecular weights around 2 kg mol−1. To later enable a systematic exploration of the influence of the PIx and PSy block lengths and related morphologies on the ion conductivity, a synthetic method is needed where the short PEOz block length can be kept constant, while the PIx and PSy block lengths could be systematically and independently varied. Here, we introduce a glycidyl ether route that allows covalent attachment of pre-synthesized glycidyl-end functionalized PEOz chains to terminate PIxPSy BCPs. The attachment proceeds to full conversion in a simplified and reproducible one-pot polymerization such that PIxPSyPEOz with narrow chain length distribution and a fixed PEOz block length of z = 1.9 kg mol−1 and a Đ = 1.03 are obtained. The successful quantitative end group modification of the PEOz block was verified by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). We demonstrate further that with a controlled casting process, ordered microphases with macroscopic long-range directional order can be fabricated, as demonstrated by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It has already been shown in a patent, published by us, that BCPs from the synthesis method presented here exhibit comparable or even higher ionic conductivities than those previously published. Therefore, this PEOz BCP system is ideally suitable to relate BCP morphology, order and orientation to macroscopic Li+ conductivity in Li+ batteries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Block Copolymers: Synthesis, Self-Assembly and Application)
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15 pages, 3701 KiB  
Article
Non-Bulk Morphologies of Extremely Thin Block Copolymer Films Cast on Topographically Defined Substrates Featuring Deep Trenches: The Importance of Lateral Confinement
by Elisheva Michman, Meirav Oded and Roy Shenhar
Polymers 2023, 15(4), 1035; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15041035 - 19 Feb 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1371
Abstract
Directed self-assembly of block copolymers is evolving toward applications that are more defect-tolerant but still require high morphological control and could benefit from simple, inexpensive fabrication processes. Previously, we demonstrated that simply casting ultra-thin block copolymer films on topographically defined substrates leads to [...] Read more.
Directed self-assembly of block copolymers is evolving toward applications that are more defect-tolerant but still require high morphological control and could benefit from simple, inexpensive fabrication processes. Previously, we demonstrated that simply casting ultra-thin block copolymer films on topographically defined substrates leads to hierarchical structures with dual patterns in a controlled manner and unraveled the dependence of the local morphology on the topographic feature dimensions. In this article, we discuss the extreme of the ultraconfined thickness regime at the border of film dewetting. Additional non-bulk morphologies are observed at this extreme, which further elaborate the arsenal of dual patterns that could be obtained in coexistence with full placement control. It is shown that as the thickness confinement approaches its limit, lateral confinement imposed by the width of the plateaus becomes a critical factor influencing the local morphology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Block Copolymers: Synthesis, Self-Assembly and Application)
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12 pages, 2948 KiB  
Article
Facile Preparation of Cobalt Nanoparticles Encapsulated Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Sponge for Efficient Oxygen Reduction Reaction
by Ying Leng, Kai Jin, Tian Wang and Hui Sun
Polymers 2023, 15(3), 521; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15030521 - 19 Jan 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1563
Abstract
The facile preparation of non-noble metal nanoparticle loaded carbon nanomaterials is promising for efficient oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalysis. Herein, a facile preparation strategy is proposed to prepare nitrogen-doped carbon sponge loaded with fine cobalt nanoparticles by the direct pyrolysis of the cobalt [...] Read more.
The facile preparation of non-noble metal nanoparticle loaded carbon nanomaterials is promising for efficient oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalysis. Herein, a facile preparation strategy is proposed to prepare nitrogen-doped carbon sponge loaded with fine cobalt nanoparticles by the direct pyrolysis of the cobalt ions adsorbed polymeric precursor. The polymeric sponge precursor with continuous framework and high porosity is formed by the self-assembly of a poly(amic acid). Taking advantage of the negatively charged surface and porous structure, cobalt ions can be efficiently adsorbed into the polymeric sponge. After pyrolysis, fine cobalt nanoparticles covered by carbon layers are formed, while the sponge-like structure of the precursor is also well-preserved in order to give cobalt nanoparticles loaded nitrogen-doped carbon sponges (Co/CoO@NCS) with a high loading content of 44%. The Co/CoO@NCS exhibits promising catalytic activity toward ORR with a half-wave potential of 0.830 V and a limiting current density of 4.71 mA cm−2. Overall, we propose a facile polymer self-assembly strategy to encapsulate transition metal nanoparticles with high loading content on a nitrogen-doped carbon sponge for efficient ORR catalysis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Block Copolymers: Synthesis, Self-Assembly and Application)
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16 pages, 4639 KiB  
Article
Dynamic Light Scattering Based Microrheology of End-Functionalised Triblock Copolymer Solutions
by Ren Liu, Alessio Caciagli, Jiaming Yu, Xiaoying Tang, Rini Ghosh and Erika Eiser
Polymers 2023, 15(3), 481; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15030481 - 17 Jan 2023
Viewed by 1766
Abstract
Nano-sized particles functionalised with short single-stranded (ss)DNAs can act as detectors of complementary DNA strands. Here we consider tri-block-copolymer-based, self-assembling DNA-coated nanoparticles. The copolymers are chemically linked to the DNA strands via azide (N3) groups. The micelles aggregate when they are [...] Read more.
Nano-sized particles functionalised with short single-stranded (ss)DNAs can act as detectors of complementary DNA strands. Here we consider tri-block-copolymer-based, self-assembling DNA-coated nanoparticles. The copolymers are chemically linked to the DNA strands via azide (N3) groups. The micelles aggregate when they are linked with complementary ssDNA. The advantage of such block-copolymer-based systems is that they are easy to make. Here we show that DNA functionalisation results in inter-micellar attraction, but that N3-groups that have not reacted with the DNA detector strands also change the phase behaviour of the tri-block polymer solution. We studied the triblock copolymer, Pluronic® F108, which forms spherical micelles in aqueous solutions upon heating. We find that the triblock chains ending with either an N3 or N3-DNA complex show a dramatic change in phase behaviour. In particular, the N3-functionalisation causes the chain ends to cluster below the critical micelle temperature (CMT) of pure F108, forming flower-micelles with the N3-groups at the core, while the PPO groups are exposed to the solvent. Above the CMT, we see an inversion with the PPO chains forming the micellar core, while the N3-groups are now aggregating on the periphery, inducing an attraction between the micelles. Our results demonstrate that, due to the two competing self-assembling mechanisms, the system can form transient hydrogels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Block Copolymers: Synthesis, Self-Assembly and Application)
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Review

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24 pages, 3337 KiB  
Review
Processive Pathways to Metastability in Block Copolymer Thin Films
by Nayanathara Hendeniya, Kaitlyn Hillery and Boyce S. Chang
Polymers 2023, 15(3), 498; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15030498 - 18 Jan 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1946
Abstract
Block copolymers (BCPs) self-assemble into intricate nanostructures that enhance a multitude of advanced applications in semiconductor processing, membrane science, nanopatterned coatings, nanocomposites, and battery research. Kinetics and thermodynamics of self-assembly are crucial considerations in controlling the nanostructure of BCP thin films. The equilibrium [...] Read more.
Block copolymers (BCPs) self-assemble into intricate nanostructures that enhance a multitude of advanced applications in semiconductor processing, membrane science, nanopatterned coatings, nanocomposites, and battery research. Kinetics and thermodynamics of self-assembly are crucial considerations in controlling the nanostructure of BCP thin films. The equilibrium structure is governed by a molecular architecture and the chemistry of its repeat units. An enormous library of materials has been synthesized and they naturally produce a rich equilibrium phase diagram. Non-equilibrium phases could potentially broaden the structural diversity of BCPs and relax the synthetic burden of creating new molecules. Furthermore, the reliance on synthesis could be complicated by the scalability and the materials compatibility. Non-equilibrium phases in BCPs, however, are less explored, likely due to the challenges in stabilizing the metastable structures. Over the past few decades, a variety of processing techniques were introduced that influence the phase transformation of BCPs to achieve a wide range of morphologies. Nonetheless, there is a knowledge gap on how different processive pathways can induce and control the non-equilibrium phases in BCP thin films. In this review, we focus on different solvent-induced and thermally induced processive pathways, and their potential to control the non-equilibrium phases with regards to their unique aspects and advantages. Furthermore, we elucidate the limitations of these pathways and discuss the potential avenues for future investigations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Block Copolymers: Synthesis, Self-Assembly and Application)
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