Poly(vinylpyridine)-containing block copolymers for smart, multicompartment particles

Multicompartment particles generated by the self-assembly of block copolymers (BCPs) have received considerable attention due to their unique morphologies and functionalities. A class of important building blocks for multicomponent particles are polyvinylpyridines (PVPs), which are employed due to their stimuli-responsiveness and ability to incorporate functional additives. This review highlights preparation strategies, properties, and applications of multicompartment particles based on PVP-containing BCPs. Core functionalities of PVPs and PVP-containing BCPs are introduced, followed by their self-assembly strategies to prepare multicompartment particles with diverse structures. Detailed examples covering the properties and applications of PVP-containing multicompartment particles are also summarized, including responsive shape-changing particles and polymer/inorganic hybrid nanostructures with tunable physical and optical properties. Lastly, the remaining challenges and perspectives of the field are discussed.

Automated summary

This article presents the preparation strategies, properties, and applications of multicompartment particles based on PVP-containing BCPs. These particles possess unique morphologies and functionalities, including responsiveness and tunable physical and optical properties.