Well-defined organic nanotubes from multicomponent bottlebrush copolymers.
Bottlebrush copolymers are comblike macromolecules with densely grafted polymeric branches that adopt a cylindrical shape in solutions. We demonstrate a new method for the preparation of organic nanotubes by single molecule templating of core-shell bottlebrush copolymers. Multicomponent bottlebrush copolymers with well-defined structural parameters are synthesized by a combination of different living polymerization methods. Tubular structures can be prepared by cross-linking the shell layer and selectively etching out the core. The shape and size of original bottlebrush macromolecules are preserved during these transformations, which leads to the formation of well-defined organic nanotubes. The length and diameter of nanotubes are dictated by the length of the backbones and branches of the polymeric precursors, respectively. Water-soluble nanotubes with a hydrophobic interior can be prepared from bottlebrush copolymers with triblock copolymer branches. Herein, we outline molecular design strategies to fabricate nanotubes with controlled lengths, open pores, and different solubility characteristics.
Huang
Kun
K
Department of Chemistry, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York 14260-3000, USA.
Rzayev
Javid
J
D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000379:methods*; D043942:Nanotubes / Q000737:chemistry*; D010316:Particle Size; D011108:Polymers / Q000138:chemical synthesis* / Q000737:chemistry; D016062:Porosity; D012995:Solubility; D014867:Water / Q000737:chemistry*
D011108:Polymers; D014867:Water