Controlled synthesis of conjugated polymers in dendritic mesoporous silica nanoparticles†

A controlled polymerization strategy is developed by confining the step-growth polycondensation to take place exclusively in the nanochannels of dendritic mesoporous silica nanoparticles. A variety of conjugated polymers with rich structural patterns were obtained in high yields. The molecular weights were precisely controlled with narrow molecular weight distributions. The obtained conjugated polymers were freely processed in solution and casted in film, showing bright fluorescence emission. All the features of this controlled polymerization method endow the conjugated polymers great potential for future applications.

Automated summary

A controlled polymerization strategy has been developed, where step-growth polycondensation is confined to the nanochannels of dendritic mesoporous silica nanoparticles, resulting in a variety of conjugated polymers with rich structural patterns. The obtained conjugated polymers have precisely controlled molecular weights with narrow molecular weight distributions, and can be freely processed in solution and exhibit bright fluorescence emission when casted in film, showing great potential for future applications.