Local Chain Feature Mandated Self-Assembly of Block Copolymers

This work demonstrates an effective and robust approach to regulate phase behaviors of a block copolymer by programming local features into otherwise homogeneous linear chains. A library of sequence-defined, isomeric block copolymers with globally the same composition but locally different side chain patterns were elaborately designed and prepared through an iterative convergent growth method. The precise chemical structure and uniform chain length rule out all inherent molecular defects associated with statistical distribution. The local features are found to exert surprisingly pronounced impacts on the self-assembly process, which have yet to be well recognized. While other molecular parameters remain essentially the same, simply rearranging a few methylene units among the alkyl side chains leads to strikingly different phase behaviors, bringing about (i) a rich diversity of nanostructures across hexagonally packed cylinders, Frank-Kasper A15 phase, Frank-Kasper σ phase, dodecagonal quasicrystals, and disordered state; (ii) a significant change of lattice dimension; and (iii) a substantial shift of order-to-disorder transition temperature (up to 40 °C). Different from the commonly observed enthalpy-dominated cases, the frustration due to the divergence between the native molecular geometry originating from side chain distribution and the local packing environment mandated by lattice symmetry is believed to play a pivotal role. Engineering the local chain feature introduces another level of structural complexity, opening up a new and effective pathway for modulating phase transition without changing the chemistry or composition.