Exploration of nanoscale metal coordination polymer synthesis using self-assembled block copolymer motifs

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Metal coordination polymers (MCP) possess rich functions derived from their framework structures and chemical composition. But they usually have poor solubility in solvents and therefore can not be processed once prepared. This limitation is hindering the widespread applicability of MCP. To address this challenge and to study nanostructure related properties, synthesis of processible nanoscale MCP (NMCP) particles becomes attractive and have potential to deliver richer functionality to MCP nanotechnologies. Unfortunately, our knowledge on this rising area is rudimentary and there is no technique available for rational structure variation. In contrast, conventional organic polymers are processible and their preparation has reached an advanced level with a few techniques available for molecular engineering. One type of structure-defined polymers is block copolymer, in which chemically different polymer segments are covalently bonded in one molecules. This type of molecules undergoes self-assembly in a block selective solvent or oil/water mixed solvents, leading to the formation of micelle-like aggregates or oil droples, respectively. This aspect of block copolymer supramolecular chemistry has been intensively studied and exerts great control on the resulting assemblies in terms of their size, shape, and even architecture. We therefore intend to apply this developed knowledge in block copolymer self-assembly to the recently emerged area of NMCP for nanomaterial innovation. Prusian blue will be used as a MCP model system because of its simplicity and generality in preparation. The research will involve well-defined cyanoferrate metallo-polymer synthesis, self-assembly and metal coordination polymerization in an attempt to develop strategies for the preparation of processible, structure-defined functional PB nanoparticles. Ultimately, the proposed research will lead to the establishment of a research subfield at the boundary of block copolymer and NMCP. A brand new type of processible polymeric porous nanomaterials, which is highly demanded for energy, healthcare and security applications, can be expected from the establishment and exploration of this area.