Kinetically controlled synthesis of supramolecular block copolymers with narrow dispersity and tunable block lengths†

Synthesis of supramolecular block copolymers (BCPs) from small monomers has been recently attempted. However, the lack of dispersity and length control of the blocky segments limits its functional outcome. Herein we demonstrate the synthesis of well-defined supramolecular BCPs with tunable block lengths by varying the monomer to seed ratio in a kinetically controlled seeded supramolecular polymerization process. Structured Illumination microscopy (SIM) and spectroscopic analyses provide structural characterization of these supramolecular BCPs, which offers various possibilities as axial organic heterostructures.

Automated summary

In this study, the synthesis of well-defined supramolecular BCPs with tunable block lengths was demonstrated by varying the monomer to seed ratio in a kinetically controlled seeded supramolecular polymerization process. Structural Illumination microscopy (SIM) and spectroscopic analyses provided structural characterization of these supramolecular BCPs, offering various possibilities as axial organic heterostructures.