Structural Fabrication and Functional Modulation of Nanoparticle–Polymer Composites

Abstract

This review article summarizes recent progress in the fabrication methodologies and functional modulations of nanoparticle (NP)–polymer composites. On the basis of the techniques of NP synthesis and surface modification, the fabrication methods of nanocomposites are highlighted; these include surface‐initiated polymerization on NPs, in situ formation of NPs in polymer media, and the incorporation through covalent linkages and supramolecular assemblies. In these examples, polymers are foremost hypothesized as inert hosts that stabilize and integrate the functionalities of NPs, thus improving the macroscopic performance of NPs. Furthermore, due to the unique physicochemical properties of polymers, polymer chains are also dynamic under heating, swelling, and stretching. This creates an opportunity for modulating NP functionalities within the preformed nanocomposites, which will undoubtedly promote the developments of optoelectronic devices, optical materials, and intelligent materials.

Graphene oxide modified with PMMA via ATRP as a reinforcement filler

“…One solution is mechanical mixing using high shear forces for dis-aggregation, whereas another technique is ultrasonic irradiation. Chemical methods can also be used, such as sol-gel processing 21,22 or surface modification [23][24][25] of nanoparticles to increase the compatibility between the nanoparticles and the organic phase. This opens a new way to prepare high performance polymeric materials, as was demonstrated by Fang et al 26 who functionalized GO with polystyrene (PS) chains and used these as reinforcement of the PS matrix.…”

Fabrication of composite thin films with microstructures of honeycomb, foam, and nanosphere arrays through adsorption and self-assembly of block copolymers at the liquid/liquid interface

“…Polymer-based composites doped with inorganic nanoparticles have attracted much attention in recent years [1,2]. On the one hand, these composites can immobilize nanoparticles in their structure and consequently preserve the unique properties of nanoparticles.…”

Emulsion-directed liquid/liquid interfacial fabrication of lanthanide ion-doped block copolymer composite thin films

“…Composite materials based on polymer matrices have received much attention due to their stability and ease of processing [1]. These composite materials exhibit the intrinsic properties of the components, such as optical and catalytic properties of metal nanoparticles, optical and electronic properties of semiconductor nanoparticles and optical properties of lanthanide complexes.…”