Engineering the Morphologies of Block Copolymer Particles from the Confined Self-assembly within Emulsion Droplets†

Comprehensive SummaryBlock copolymers (BCPs) can automatically assemble into various regulated nanoparticles when they are confined within the emulsion droplet because of the structural frustration of polymer chains and the soft template effect of the oil/water interface. In the past few years, great efforts have been made to regulate the morphologies of the resulting BCP particles. In this review article, various strategies for tuning oil/water interfacial properties to engineer the as-formed BCP particles were summarized. Then, the comprehensive scenarios of the applications of the resulting BCP particles were discussed. Finally, the future tendency and challenge of the self-assembly of BCPs confined in emulsion droplet were suggested.

Automated summary

This review article summarizes the self-assembly process of block copolymers (BCPs) into nanoparticles within emulsion droplets and discusses various strategies and scenarios for tuning the oil/water interface properties and applications of the resulting particles. The future trends and challenges of BCPs confined in emulsion droplets for self-assembly are also suggested.