Self-assembly of architected macromolecules: Bridging a gap between experiments and simulations

Chemical Physics Reviews, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 6(1)

Published: Jan. 27, 2025

Macromolecular self-assembly is essential in life and interfacial science. A macromolecule consisting of chemically distinct components tends to self-assemble a selective solvent minimize the exposure solvophobic segments medium while solvophilic adopt extended conformations. While micelles composed linear block copolymers represent classic examples such solution assembly, recent interest focuses on complex macromolecules with nonlinear architectures, as star, graft, bottlebrush. Such include several hundreds polymer chains covalently tied core backbone. The pre-programmed, non-exchangeable chain arrangement makes huge difference their self-assembly. field has witnessed tremendous advances synthetic methodologies construct desired leading discoveries exotic behavior. Thanks rapid evolution computing power, computer simulation also been an emerging complementary approach for understanding association mechanism further predicting self-assembling morphologies. However, simulating architected posed challenge number objects should be included simulations. Comparing experimental results simulations not always straightforward, routes well-defined model systems systematically controlled structural parameters are often available. In this manuscript, we propose bridge gap between experiments macromolecules. We focus key articles area reporting evidence details cover literature. start discussing applicable investigate across multiple levels chemical resolution from all-atom particle dynamics. Then, delve into topological design, synthesis, macromolecules, including dendritic/star, network, graft/bottlebrush polymers, understand architectural effect expand our discourse embrace toward realizing more systems. For example, presence strong Coulombic interactions, case polyelectrolytes, geometric constraints, other solutions, exemplified by inorganic fillers, introduced. Finally, challenges perspectives discussed final section manuscript.

Language: Английский

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Bifunctional Additive-Driven Shape Transitions of Block Copolymer Particles through Synergistic Quaternization and Protonation

Chemical Science, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Jan. 1, 2025

Bifunctional additives synergistically drive quaternization and protonation, tuning block copolymer emulsion interfaces to increase hydrophilicity electrostatic repulsion, enabling one-pot synthesis of disc Janus cup particles.

Language: Английский

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Effect of Homopolymers on Phase Separation Dynamics in Multicompartment Block Copolymer Colloids with Immiscible Liquids

Macromolecules, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: March 17, 2025

Multicompartment complex colloids offer novel architectures with anisotropic properties, which arise from the interplay between different components and their spatial organization. Incorporating homopolymers into block copolymer (BCP) particles allows for precise tuning of both shape phase separation dynamics, particularly in mixed liquid–solid systems. This study presents a comprehensive library composed symmetric poly(styrene-b-2-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P2VP) BCPs, constituent homopolymers, an immiscible oil. By systematically volume fraction, molecular weight, ratio each homopolymer, we achieve diverse particle morphologies, including liquid-merged elongated bullets, spherical domes, Janus structures, golf-ball-like multiphase configurations. Strong segregation oil polymer, coupled higher compatibilization within host domains, facilitates axial stacking lamellar layers bullet-shaped particles. A carefully balanced addition enables control over stacked domain sizes, resulting structural colors that span entire visible spectrum. In contrast, strong BCPs driven by increased weight fraction promotes silicone oils attached to surface. Real-time observations evolution elucidate mechanisms underlying these separations, paving way designing advanced colloidal tailored optical properties.

Language: Английский

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Inverse Opal Torus‐Shaped Photonic Microobjects with Superior Stimulus‐Responsive Properties to Their Spherical Equivalents

Small, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: April 16, 2025

Abstract Because of their many uses and simplicity manufacture, colloidal photonic microobjects made from droplet templates have been the subject extensive research. Owing to low interfacial energy, majority are spherical, however nonspherical forms, such as torus‐shaped (TSPMs) also seen. Although there reports TSPMs based on various building blocks, usual lack stimulus‐responsive qualities restricts potential uses. In this work, hydrogel‐based inverse opal (IO‐TSPMs) that sensitive alcohol pH created. IO‐TSPMs react more quickly than spherical ones produced by first creating opal‐structured TSPMs, then infiltrating monomers, polymerizing under UV light, etching, visibly illustrate difference. Unlike structures, which only provide unidirectional stimulus propagation, torus structures allow stimulation bidirectionally propagate both inner outer borders. Potential applications for these include biomimetic materials, quick diagnostic inspection tools, blocks innovative patterns.

Language: Английский

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