Functional Polyether-based Amphiphilic Block Copolymers Synthesized by Atom-transfer Radical Polymerization

Abstract

This review deals with the synthesis, physical properties, and applications of amphiphilic block copolymers based on hydrophilic poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) or hydrophobic poly(propylene oxide) (PPO). Oligomeric PEO and PPO are frequently functionalized by converting their OH end groups into macroinitiators for atom-transfer radical polymerization. They are then used to generate additional blocks as part of complex copolymer architectures. Adding hydrophobic and hydrophilic blocks, respectively, leads to polymers with amphiphilic character in water. They are surface active and form micelles above a critical micellization concentration. Together with recent developments in post-polymerization techniques through quantitative coupling reactions (‘click’ chemistry) a broad variety of tailored functionalities can be introduced to the amphiphilic block copolymers. Examples are outlined including stimuli responsiveness, membrane penetrating ability, formation of multi-compartmentalized micelles, etc.

Recent developments in nanostructured polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane‐based materials via ‘controlled’ radical polymerization

“…The dispersion of POSSs in polymer matrices has led to the realization of hybrid materials with novel properties such as enhanced thermal and mechanical performance, low dielectric constant, surface properties, gas transport properties, etc . Additionally, due to their unique structure, size, superior properties, biocompatibility, non‐toxicity and cytocompatibility, POSSs have also found applications in the biomedical and nanomedical fields .…”

Molecular Materials Meeting (M3@Singapore)

“…[6,7] In addition, the readers will find several other stimulating papers in this issue. [8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17] In this molecular age, if we can creatively design, synthesize, process, and apply materials using molecular techniques, we can certainly expect quantum leaps in advances in materials research. We believe that the solution to the hard problems in science and technology will be found in the scrutiny of materials from the molecular level to the nano-scale.…”

The 2nd Molecular Materials Meeting (M3@Singapore)

“…2011, 64 (9) with selected papers presented at the inaugural molecular materials conference. That issue comprised a communication article on temperaturedriven molecular self-organization at solution-solid interface, [2] a focussed review on the application of atom-transfer radical polymerization method in the synthesis of polyetherbased functional amphiphilic polymers, [3] and original research papers in emerging areas such as dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), [4] metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), [5] light-activated nanoparticle-catalyzed water-splitting, [6] and aggregationinduced emission (AIE) in bioimaging applications, [7] etc. The papers in the special issue reflected the contemporary interests in the broad field of molecular materials.…”