Development of Stimuli-responsive Polymer Hybrid Materials

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Our research program aims to discover smart materials comprising an organic polymer and an inorganic nanoparticle, which can accomplish a specific function by responding to stimuli as a result of concerted action of the two constituents. On the one hand, using the photothermal effect generated by gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) or nanorods (AuNRs), we develop the next-generation polymers that not only can undergo light-controlled reversible deformation and motion but also can be reprocessed or reshaped. On the other hand, we propose to develop a unique type of nanoreactors and nanovectors for stimuli-switchable catalysis and stimuli-controlled cargo release, respectively. These nanosystems are built up with either an AuNP or AuNR or upconverting nanoparticle (UCNP) inside a hollow polymer shell. Through rational design, in aqueous solution the polymer shell can switch between a swollen (open) and shrunk (closed) state upon a small change in temperature or pH or upon exposure to light, which activates or shuts down the catalytic activity of AuNPs of the nanoreactor, or the release of cargo from the nanovector. These novel functional materials could offer unprecedented performance and find many possible applications.