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Gyroid Nickel Nanostructures from Diblock Copolymer Supramolecules
Published on: April 28, 2014
Wormlike aggregates from a supramolecular coordination polymer and a diblock copolymer
Yun Yan1, Nicolaas A M Besseling, Arie de Keizer
1Laboratory of Physical Chemistry and Colloid Science, Wageningen University, Dreijenplein 6, 6703 HB, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
The Journal of Physical Chemistry. B
|September 21, 2007
Summary
Wormlike micelles form in supramolecular polymer mixtures with excess positive charge. Their shape transforms between spherical and wormlike structures by adjusting the mixing ratio and preparation protocols.
Area of Science:
- Supramolecular Chemistry
- Polymer Science
- Materials Science
Background:
- Investigates the formation of wormlike micelles in mixed systems of a supramolecular coordination polymer (Zn-L2EO4) and a diblock copolymer (P2MVP41-b-PEO205).
- Previous studies showed spherical micelle formation at stoichiometric charge ratios.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the formation of wormlike micelles in Zn-L2EO4/P2MVP41-b-PEO205 mixtures.
- To explore the transformation between spherical and wormlike micelles by varying mixing ratios and protocols.
Main Methods:
- Light scattering
- Cryo-transmission electron microscopy (Cryo-TEM)
Main Results:
- Wormlike micelles with hydrodynamic radii >150 nm were observed in mixtures with excess positive charge (f- < 0.5).
- Spherical micelles formed at stoichiometric ratios.
- Transformation between wormlike and spherical micelles was achieved by altering the mixing ratio and preparation protocols.
- Addition of Zn-L2EO4 to excess P2MVP41-b-PEO205 resulted in spherical micelles.
- Addition of P2MVP41-b-PEO205 to spherical micelle mixtures yielded wormlike micelles.
Conclusions:
- The formation and transformation of wormlike and spherical micelles are controllable by adjusting the charge ratio and preparation methods.
- A mechanism for wormlike micelle formation is proposed based on experimental observations.
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