Block copolymer synthesis and self-assembly

We utilize controlled polymerization methodologies (RAFT, anionic, cationic, ATRP and NMP based polymerization schemes) as well as post-polymerization chemical functionalization routes in order to synthesize designed copolymers of diverse molecular architectures (linear diblock copolymers, triblock terpolymers, stars and mikto-arms stars, graft and hyperbranched copolymers).

The synthesized copolymers are showing environmentally responsive behavior, e.g. toward stimuli including pH, temperature, ionic strength, due to the rational design of their chemical structure We explore the effects of chemical structure on block copolymer self-assembly in aqueous media, on surfaces and in the bulk and their nanoscale and macroscale properties, in conjunction with chemical, physical and thermodynamic parameters of our systems, trying to elucidate structure-properties relations and provide new functional polymeric nanomaterials. These basic studies allow for the rational use of such functional macromolecules in a gamut of nanotechnological applications, focusing on biomedical, sensing and environmental applications.

We employ a plethora of physicochemical characterization techniques, available at TPCI or in collaborating labs, in order to molecularly characterize the copolymers and their nanoscale self-organized structures.

Key Publications

Polym. Chem.  2017, 8, 4538

J. Polym. Sci. Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 1771

Polymers 2020, 12, 1382

Macromolecules 2020, 53, 4068

J. Polym. Sci. 2021, 59, 1874