Synthesis and supramolecular organization of chiral poly(thiophene) -magnetite hybrid nanoparticles

In this study, poly((S)-3-(3',7'-dimethyloctyl)thiophene) is synthesized via KCTCP, using a catechol-based external Ni-initiator. After characterization, the polymer's catechol functionality is deprotected and coupled with magnetite nanoparticles and the supramolecular organization is studied using UV/Vis, CD, AFM and Faraday measurements. We conclude that no long range supramolecular ordering is present in the hybrid material and that only interchain interactions between polymer chains attached on different nanoparticles are present. Also the effect of the new initiator and the branched monomer side chain on the controlled character of the KCTCP is investigated. It is found that a methyl group on the 3-position of the monomer sidechain already affects the controlled character of the polymerization. Also, a mechanism for the observed effects of the branched monomer and the new catechol-based initiator on the controlled character of the polymerization is proposed.