Nanoparticle Ordering in Diblock Copolymer-based Supramolecular Systems

A well-controlled nanoparticle dispersion within a polymer matrix can have a significant impact on a wide range of material properties. A simple, efficient strategy to direct nanoparticle assembly within nanoscopic domains has been developed. Cadmium selenide (CdSe) nanoparticles were directly blended with diblock copolymer-based supramolecules wherein small molecules were attached to the side chain of one block via hydrogen-bonding. Co-assembly of nanoparticle and supramolecule were examined using SAXS and TEM, confirming fine ordering of the nanoparticles. The influence of nanoparticle concentration on supramolecule microphase separation and nanoparticle ordering was studied. Various functionalities should be readily incorporable into these systems by simply varying the nanoparticle type. The hierarchical assembly of supramolecule and nanoparticles presents many new opportunities for the fabrication of functional nanodevices.