Block copolymer nanoparticles with unusual morphologies and complex surface are currently in high demand due to their unique physical properties as non-trivial soft matter. Compared to topologies such as spheres, cylinders and vesicles, the precise formation of patchy polymeric rings (toroids) or discs with defined surface structure are still rare. This presentation discusses new directions for the self-assembly of block copolymers in the spherical confinement of o/w nanoemulsion droplets (Figure 1). Upon solvent evaporation the polymer concentrates within the droplet leading to its self-assembly, in which the interfacial energy at the water interface controls microphase separation behaviour. As a result multicompartment microparticles with complex inner lamellar morphology are produced, consisting of two strictly separated polymer brushes of different chemistry. Subsequent cross-linking of the inner polymeric domain (core) fixes the geometry and generates symmetric Janus nanostructures after re-dispersion of the microparticles in organic solvents. Depending on experimental conditions and the polymers’ composition, we either obtain nanorings, -grated, -perforated as well as filled disks, all inheriting Janus character. The presented process opens the way to novel polymeric nanoparticles and thus gives the opportunity to systematically test the influence on the nanoparticles’ shape, inner structure and surface in the field of drug delivery and catalysis.

Block copolymers in 3D confinement: Janus structures with complex topology

2019 Fall National Meeting

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.