Organic–inorganic hybrid nanomaterials prepared via polymerization-induced self-assembly: recent developments and future opportunities

Abstract

Organic–inorganic hybrid nanomaterials are an important class of functional materials that find applications in many areas. Cooperative self-assembly of inorganic nanoparticles and block copolymers in solution is one of the most widely employed approaches for preparing organic–inorganic hybrid nanomaterials with precise structures and properties. However, this method usually encounters problems with low solids contents (<1% w/w) and multi-step processes, and is difficult to implement on a large scale. Over the past decade or so, the development of polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) has enabled the preparation of concentrated block copolymer nanomaterials (10–50% w/w solids) with a diverse set of morphologies. This review focuses on recent developments in the preparation of organic–inorganic hybrid nanomaterials via PISA including: (i) post-modification of block copolymer nanoparticles, (ii) in situ encapsulation of inorganic nanoparticles into vesicles, (iii) cooperative self-assembly of inorganic nanoparticles and polymers. By highlighting these important developments, the current challenges and future opportunities of organic–inorganic hybrid nanomaterials prepared via PISA are also provided.