A synthetic block copolymer, i.e. poly(hydroxylated isoprene)-b-poly(2-vinyl pyridine), is shown to template the condensation of silica from tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) at room temperature and neutral pH. Block copolymers are known to form various structures in solution, depending in part on solvent selectivity towards each block. Ethyl acetate is found to preferentially solubilize the poly(2-vinyl pyridine) block of our block copolymer mimic. Thus adding ethyl acetate to a solution of block copolymer in tetrahydrofuran changes the solvent quality, leading to the formation of various structures. We have successfully condensed nanoscaled donut/cap shaped silica particles based on polymersome templates using a solution of block copolymer in tetrahydrofuran and ethyl acetate. We explain the mechanism of formation of these silica structures by the way of rates of silica condensation and structural rearrangements.

Templation of silica condensation by a biomimetic block copolymer

244th National Meeting (2012)

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