Expanding Tailored Nanomaterials with Precise Spatial and Morphological Control

Multicomponent nanocomposites with precise spatial control are important for diverse fields spanning from energy conversion to optoelectronics and catalysis. Traditional methods using hydrophilic interactions alone are limited to random mixtures when multiple nanoparticle (NP) types are combined. To improve capabilities, a new strategy for polymer micelle design combining orthogonal hydrophilic (H) and fluorophobic (F) interactions to independently control two distinct NP populations was developed. Initial research aimed at understanding F-interaction adjustments, which further enabled the switchability of FNP distribution states (dispersion vs aggregation) within polymer films through immersion annealing. Next, dual-NP assembly was examined using a diblock poly (H-b-F) where excess HNP was required for micelle template preservation. The addition of a glassy lipophilic (L) block led to a triptych triblock poly(H-b-L-b-F) design that enabled vitrification of FNP-loaded micelles for robust dual-NP control with well-defined assemblies regardless of the FNP/HNP fractions. A novel micelle-chain morphology occurred with majority FNP content, potentially supporting unique transport applications. Finally, a polymer micelle with immobile glassy core was developed to fabricate porous cylindrical templates with persistence. As a collective these advancements in polymer micelle design have expanded the scope of tailored nanomaterials with precise spatial and morphological control.