Block copolymer nanoshells

With the help of cell dynamics simulation we investigate morphology of thin block copolymer film around a nanoparticle. The obtained structures include: parallel, perpendicular, mixed and perforated lamellae, parallel and perpendicular cylinders and spheres. Analogy and difference with planar films are discussed. Our simulation suggests that novel porous nanocontainers can be formed by the coating of a sacrificial nano-bead by a block copolymer layer with a well controlled nanostructure. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.