Synthesis and Self-assembly of Asymmetric Block Copolymers Towards Nanodiscs

Abstract

Polymers have emerged as exciting candidates for self-assembly into nanomaterials. Advancements in polymer science have seen an increase in the design of complex, but well-defined systems unlocked by the evolvement of controlled and living polymerisation techniques. As such, architectures such as molecular polymer bottlebrushes (MPBs) that are considered synthetically complex, can be achieved as well-defined and uniform polymer building blocks. Additionally, their large scope for functionality provides opportunity for the synthesis of tailored building block materials, unlocking self-assembly pathways of morphologies and functional materials that have remained quite elusive to date. This thesis will explore the synthesis of MPB containing building blocks to better understand their bottom-up self-assembly behaviour towards polymeric discoidal nanoparticles.