Single-Chain Polymer Nanoparticles for Addressing Morphologies and Functions at the Nanoscale: A Review

Abstract

This review discusses recent advances concerning morphologies and functions obtained from single-chain nanoparticles (SCNPs). SCNPs are unimolecular, soft nano-objects consisting of individual polymer chains collapsed to a certain degree by means of intramolecular bonding. Many of potential applications of SCNPs rely on their peculiar molecular morphology adopted in solution. SCNPs coming from random or block copolymers can yield ordered structures by self-assembly in a wide range of morphologies including spheres, cylinders, bicontinuous structures, lamellae, vesicles, and many other complex or hierarchical assemblies. These nanocomposites can provide practical applications, still in their infancy, in several fields. The classification of SCNPs according to their morphologies will help to link their function to the specific applications.

One-Step Synthesis of LiCo1-1.5xYxPO4@C Cathode Material for High-Energy Lithium-ion Batteries

“…With the rapid development of portable devices and electric vehicles, the demand for high energy batteries is increasing. The development of high-energy cathode [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ] and anode [ 7 ] materials is imperative. Olivine LiCoPO 4 with a theoretical energy density of about 800 Wh kg −1 is a good candidate cathode material for high-energy lithium-ion batteries [ 8 , 9 , 10 ].…”

Hierarchy of hybrid materials. Part-II: The place of organics-on-inorganics in it, their composition and applications

“…Due to the EPR effect, the clearance of NPs rates from circulation streams and tissues is much lower, and it would result in the accumulation of NPs at the surface of the tissue or within cells and pose the risk of disruption of organelle integrity or gene alterations ( Gitipour et al, 2016 ). The toxicity of NPs is highly correlated with their complexity and diversity in terms of size, shape, charge, production methods, chemical composition, surface functionalization, and aggregation ( Lewinski et al, 2008 ; Lv et al, 2021 ; Nitti et al, 2022 ). In order to improve inorganic NPs safety, organic protective layers or coating agents are usually used to cover their surface, which would help to prolong the circulating half-life and minimize the reticuloendothelial system uptake ( Nie, 2010 ; Rabie et al, 2019 ).…”

Molecular Nanotechnology for Tomorrow’s World: A Forum Dedicated to Professor Sir Fraser Stoddart on the Occasion of His 80th Birthday

“…14 Pasini and co-workers reviewed the research progress on single-chain polymer nanoparticles having various morphologies and functions. 15 Yang and Chen provided a comprehensive roadmap to highlight the mechanically interlocked molecular junctions or nanodevices with fundamental descriptions of the electron-transport mechanisms. 16 Liu et al summarized tetraphenylethylene-based nanocages and macrocycles for their potential applications in detection, sensing, imaging, and catalysis.…”

“…For example, Wu et al enabled chirality-dependent packing of triangular macrocycles in single crystals, and Smaldone et al developed a useful stereolithography to achieve 3D printing of aramid nanofiber composites with enhanced tensile strength and toughness . Pasini and co-workers reviewed the research progress on single-chain polymer nanoparticles having various morphologies and functions . Yang and Chen provided a comprehensive roadmap to highlight the mechanically interlocked molecular junctions or nanodevices with fundamental descriptions of the electron-transport mechanisms .…”