Uniform hybrid nanoribbons from unidirectional inclusion crystallization controlled by size-amphiphilic block copolymers

Abstract

Herein, we suggest a unique approach to control the growth of hybrid crystals of silicotungstic acid (STA) by introducing a poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)-containing block copolymer and a poly(methyl methacrylate)-b-poly(ethylene oxide)-b-poly(methyl methacrylate) block copolymer (MEM BCP). Remarkably, perfectly straight ribbon-like lamellae with a uniform width and a large length/width ratio (>200) can be obtained. The length of hybrid nanoribbons can be tuned by annealing time and temperature, whereas the width is dependent on the molecular weight of the PEO mid-block. The stability of hybrid nanoribbons has been investigated against solvent vapor, high temperatures and the presence of phosphotungstic acid (PTA). The formation of hybrid nanoribbons leads to enhanced mechanical properties and proton conductivities of STA hybrid nanocomposites. This effective approach will provide a representative strategy to the control of crystalline hybrid materials in the solid state.