Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026
11:42
Synthesis of Monodisperse Cylindrical Nanoparticles via Crystallization-driven Self-assembly of Biodegradable Block Copolymers
Published on: June 20, 2019
Polymer Platelets via Crystallization-Driven Self-Assembly of Block Copolymers: Precision Growth, Structural
Zhiqiang Gao1, Xianming Zhang1,2, Zaizai Tong1,3
1State Key Laboratory of Bio-based Fiber Materials, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China.
Macromolecular Rapid Communications
|July 21, 2026
Summary
Crystallization-driven self-assembly (CDSA) creates 2D polymer platelets for advanced nanomaterials. These versatile structures offer precise engineering for applications in catalysis, biomedicine, and energy transport.
Area of Science:
- Polymer science and nanotechnology
- Materials chemistry
- Soft matter physics
Background:
- Crystallization-driven self-assembly (CDSA) enables the creation of low-curvature polymer nanostructures.
- Two-dimensional (2D) platelets are key CDSA assemblies with crystalline cores, accessible surfaces, and programmable coronas.
- These features are ideal for precision structural engineering and functional integration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in the preparation and application of 2D CDSA platelets.
- To summarize strategies for controlled synthesis and heteroepitaxial crystallization.
- To highlight emerging methods for hollow platelet construction and future outlook.
Main Methods:
- Summarizing preparation strategies for uniform 2D platelets with controlled dimensions.
- Discussing factors governing heteroepitaxial crystallization and flat-on epitaxial growth.
- Examining selective disassembly for constructing 2D hollow platelets.
Main Results:
- Advances in preparing uniform 2D platelets with controlled dimensions.
- Understanding of heteroepitaxial crystallization and flat-on epitaxial growth for complex architectures.
- Emerging strategies for creating 2D hollow platelets via selective disassembly.
Conclusions:
- 2D platelets are programmable crystalline soft-matter platforms for next-generation functional nanomaterials.
- Applications span catalysis, biomedicine, optical encoding, and energy transport.
- Future work should focus on mechanistic understanding, scalable synthesis, and functional transformation.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Structure and Function of Platelets
The cell fragments known as platelets are disc-shaped, with an average diameter of about 3 μm and a thickness of roughly 1 μm. They play a crucial role in the body's vascular clotting system, which also involves plasma proteins, blood cells, and blood vessel tissues.
Platelets are continually replenished, circulating in the bloodstream for 9-12 days before being removed by phagocytes, primarily in the spleen. A microliter of circulating blood contains between 150,000 and 450,000 platelets, with...
Platelets are continually replenished, circulating in the bloodstream for 9-12 days before being removed by phagocytes, primarily in the spleen. A microliter of circulating blood contains between 150,000 and 450,000 platelets, with...
01:22Formation of the Platelet Plug
The platelet phase, the second stage of hemostasis, commences around 15-20 seconds after an injury. It follows and overlaps with the vascular phase, during which blood vessels constrict to minimize blood loss.
As the injured blood vessel contracts, endothelial cells undergo contraction, revealing collagen fibers in the basement membrane and underlying connective tissue. Furthermore, the plasma membrane of endothelial cells becomes adhesive, preparing the site for platelet adhesion. Platelets...
As the injured blood vessel contracts, endothelial cells undergo contraction, revealing collagen fibers in the basement membrane and underlying connective tissue. Furthermore, the plasma membrane of endothelial cells becomes adhesive, preparing the site for platelet adhesion. Platelets...
01:16Clot Retraction and Fibrinolysis
After a fibrin clot is formed, the next step is clot retraction, a vital process facilitated by platelet contractile proteins, such as actin and myosin. These proteins pull the fibrin strands closer together and condense the clot. This action reduces the size of the clot, creating a smaller, denser structure that effectively seals off the damaged vessel. Clot retraction consolidates the clot and helps with wound healing by bringing the edges of the damaged blood vessel closer together.
01:21Polymer Classification: Crystallinity
Unlike ionic or small covalent molecules, polymers do not form crystalline solids due to the diffusion limitations of their long-chain structures. However, polymers contain microscopic crystalline domains separated by amorphous domains.
Crystalline domains are the regions where polymer chains are aligned in an orderly manner and held together in proximity by intermolecular forces. For example, chains in the crystalline domains of polyethylene and nylon are bound together by van der Waals...
Crystalline domains are the regions where polymer chains are aligned in an orderly manner and held together in proximity by intermolecular forces. For example, chains in the crystalline domains of polyethylene and nylon are bound together by van der Waals...
02:34Polymers
The word polymer is derived from the Greek words “poly” which means “many” and “mer” which means “parts”. Polymers are long chains of molecules composed of repeating units of smaller molecules, known as monomers. They either occur naturally, such as DNA and proteins, or can be constructed synthetically, like plastics. They have varied structural characteristics, such as linear chains, branched chains, or complex networks, that contribute to the properties that they exhibit. Additionally,...
01:03Step-Growth Polymerization: Overview
Step-growth or condensation polymerization is a stepwise reaction of bi or multifunctional monomers to form long-chain polymers. As all the monomers are reactive, most of the monomers are consumed at the early stages of the reaction to form small chains of reactive oligomers, which then combine to form long polymer chains in the late stages. Hence, the reaction has to proceed for a long time to achieve high molecular weight polymers.
Many natural and synthetic polymers are produced by...
Many natural and synthetic polymers are produced by...