Synthesis and characterization of nanowire coils of organometallic coordination polymers for controlled cargo release

Nanowire coils of organometallic coordination polymers have been synthesized for the first time by using the emulsion periphery polymerization technique. An amphiphilic triblock copolymer terminated with inclusion complex of β-cyclodextrin and 4,4'-bipyridine self-assembles into oil-in-water emulsion in a toluene/water mixture. Subsequent coordination of bipyridine with Ni(II) in periphery of emulsions results in the formation of coordination polymer nanowire coils. The nanowire coils are composed of nanowires with diameter of 2 nm. Nanowire coils exhibit enhanced thermal stability in contrast to their parent triblock copolymer. Interestingly, nanowire coils are capable of encapsulating organic cargoes. Encapsulated cargoes can be selectively extracted from nanowire coils without damaging nanowire coils. Nanowire coils are potential candidates for encapsulating and controlled release of organic cargoes.