Scalable and uniform 1D nanoparticles by synchronous polymerization, crystallization and self-assembly

Area of Science:

• Soft matter science
• Polymer chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Block copolymer self-assembly into core-corona nanoparticles (micelles) is promising but faces challenges.
• Current methods require separate synthesis and high dilution, limiting scalability and precise control.
• Accessing non-spherical micelles and achieving low dispersity is difficult.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a scalable, one-pot method for synthesizing well-defined soft matter nanoparticles.
• To overcome limitations of traditional block copolymer self-assembly techniques.
• To achieve precise control over nanoparticle size, shape, and dispersity.

Main Methods:

• Combined polymerization-induced and crystallization-driven self-assembly from monomers.
• Utilized a one-pot approach allowing high concentrations (up to 25% solids).
• Employed small seed micelles to control length and reduce dispersity in cylindrical micelles.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated the formation of both platelet and cylindrical micelles.
• Achieved nanoparticle formation at significantly higher concentrations than previously possible.
• Successfully produced low dispersity cylindrical micelles with controlled lengths up to three micrometres.

Conclusions:

• The developed one-pot method offers a scalable and efficient route to well-defined soft matter nanoparticles.
• This approach overcomes key limitations in traditional block copolymer self-assembly.
• The ability to control nanoparticle dimensions and dispersity opens new avenues for applications.