Hyperbranched polymers have attracted much attention due to attractive properties and wide applications, such as drug controlled release, stimuli-responsive nano-objects, photosensitive materials and catalysts. Herein, a novel hyperbranched poly(ester-enamine) (hb-PEEa) was designed and synthesized via the spontaneous amino-yne click reaction of A2 monomer (1, 3-bis(4-piperidyl)-propane or piperazine) and B3 monomer (trimethylolpropanetripropiolate). By controlling monomer concentration, molar ratio and rate of addition, gelation during synthesis can be successfully avoided. The resultant hb-PEEa possesses favorable solubility in various organic solvents. Due to abundant alkynyl groups in termini, the hb-PEEa can be functionalized by different amino compounds or their derivates, which shows desirable potential in stabilization of metal nanoparticles. The amphiphilic PEG-hb-PEEa copolymer can be used as surfactant to stabilize Au nanopaticles (AuNPs) during reduction of NaBH4 in aqueous solution. As a demonstration, the as-prepared PEG-hb-PEEa-supported AuNPs demonstrate good water solubility, high stability and remarkable catalytic activity for reduction of nitrobenzene compounds.
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