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

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.

Automated summary

Organic-inorganic hybrid nanomaterials are important functional materials prepared through cooperative self-assembly and polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA). The conventional method of cooperative self-assembly encounters problems with low solids contents and multi-step processes, while PISA enables the preparation of concentrated block copolymer nanomaterials. This review focuses on recent developments in preparing organic-inorganic hybrid nanomaterials via PISA.