Ultra-large sheet formation by 1D to 2D hierarchical self-assembly of a “rod–coil” graft copolymer with a polyphenylene backbone

Abstract

This communication reports a unique ultra-large sheet formation through hierarchical self-assembly of a rod–coil graft copolymer containing a rigid polyphenylene backbone and flexible poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) side chains. The hierarchical self-assembly process involved a distinctive morphological transition of 1D helical to 2D superstructures. The graft copolymer offers a new chance for the challenging bottom-up fabrication of ultra-large self-assembled nanosheets in solution, as well as a novel system for fundamental studies on 2D self-assembly of polymers.