Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Linear Block Copolymers: Rapid Access by Reversible-Deactivation Radical Polymerization and Self-Assembly into Large Domain Nanostructures

• DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.6b00863
• Publication Date: 2016-05-05T16:47:11Z
• Authors: Jose Kenneth D. M...; Tim Thomay; Alexander N. Cart...; Jan Ilavsky; Javid Rzayev
• Keywords: Living free-radical polymerization

Block copolymer (BCP) derived periodic nanostructures with domain sizes larger than 150 nm present a versatile platform for the fabrication of photonic materials. So far, access to such materials has been limited highly synthetically involved protocols. Herein, we report simple, "user-friendly" method preparation ultrahigh molecular weight linear poly(solketal methacrylate-b-styrene) block copolymers by combination Cu-wire-mediated ATRP and RAFT polymerizations. The synthesized weights up 1.6 million g/mol moderate dispersities readily assemble into ordered cylindrical or lamella microstructures as large 292 nm, determined ultrasmall-angle X-ray scattering scanning electron microscopy analyses. Solvent cast films exhibit stop bands in visible spectrum correlated their spacings. described opens new avenues facilitated advancement fundamental understanding BCP-derived nanomaterials variety applications.