Synthesis and applications of compartmentalised molecular polymer brushes

Abstract

Polymer science is rapidly advancing towards the precision-construction of synthetic macromolecules of formidable complexity. Beyond the impressive advances in control over polymer composition and uniformity enabled by the living polymerisation revolution, the introduction of compartmentalisation within polymer architectures can elevate their functionality beyond that of their constituent parts, offering immense potential for the production of tailor-made nanomaterials. Here, we discuss synthetic routes to complex molecular brushes with discrete chemical compartments and highlight their potential in the development of advanced materials with applications in nanofabrication, optics and functional materials.