Random copolymerization of macromonomers as a versatile strategy to synthesize mixed‐graft block copolymers

Hierarchically Structured Nanocomposites via Mixed-Graft Block Copolymer Templating: Achieving Controlled Nanostructure and Functionality

Integrating inorganic and polymerized organic functionalities to create composite materials presents an efficient strategy for the discovery and fabrication of multifunctional materials. The characteristics of these composites go beyond a simple sum of individual component properties; they are profoundly influenced by the spatial arrangement of these components and the resulting homo-/hetero-interactions. In this work, we develop a facile and highly adaptable approach for crafting nanostructured polymer-inorganic composites, leveraging hierarchically assembling mixed-graft block copolymers (mGBCPs) as templates. These mGBCPs, composed of diverse polymeric side chains that are covalently tethered with a defined sequence to a linear backbone polymer, self-assemble into ordered hierarchical structures with independently tuned nano- and mesoscale lattice features. Through the coassembly of mGBCPs with diversely sized inorganic fillers such as metal ions (ca. 0.1 nm), metal oxide clusters (0.5-2 nm), and metallic nanoparticles (>2 nm), we create three-dimensional filler arrays with controlled interfiller separation and arrangement. Multiple types of inorganic fillers are simultaneously integrated into the mGBCP matrix by introducing orthogonal interactions between distinct fillers and mGBCP side chains. This results in nanocomposites where each type of filler is selectively segregated into specific nanodomains with matrix-defined orientations. The developed coassembly strategy offers a versatile and scalable pathway for hierarchically structured nanocomposites, unlocking new possibilities for advanced materials in the fields of optoelectronics, sensing, and catalysis.

Design of Microstructure-Engineered Polymers for Energy and Environmental Conservation

With the ever-growing demand for sustainability, designing polymeric materials using readily accessible feedstocks provides potential solutions to address the challenges in energy and environmental conservation. Complementing the prevailing strategy of varying chemical composition, engineering microstructures of polymer chains by precisely controlling their chain length distribution, main chain regio-/stereoregularity, monomer or segment sequence, and architecture creates a powerful toolbox to rapidly access diversified material properties. In this Perspective, we lay out recent advances in utilizing appropriately designed polymers in a wide range of applications such as plastic recycling, water purification, and solar energy storage and conversion. With decoupled structural parameters, these studies have established various microstructure-function relationships. Given the progress outlined here, we envision that the microstructure-engineering strategy will accelerate the design and optimization of polymeric materials to meet sustainability criteria.