Elements of functional ion/block copolymer hybrids

Abstract

Block copolymers (BCPs) self-assemble into well-ordered morphologies ranging from spheres to cylinders to lamellae depending upon their chemical structures, preparation conditions and dynamic processes. Recently, ion/BCP hybrids have become highly attractive materials due to their flexibility, processability, self-assembling ability and novel features of inorganic components such as electronic, magnetic and optical properties. Therefore, to control the structure and functionalization of ion/BCP hybrids has been a significant challenge in material preparation and manufacturing. The progress of ion/BCP hybrids in bulk and thin films including the influence of ions upon the phase behavior of AB diblock and ABC triblock copolymer bulks has been reviewed, starting from fundamental principles and extending to recent promising developments, along with contributions to aligning block copolymer nanostructures and important applications such as solid-state batteries, fuel cells, nanolithography, templating, and patterning of nanoparticles.