PNNL

Abstract

This work describes a novel core-shell approach for the preparation of ordered nanoporous ceramic materials that involve a self-assembly process at the molecular level using MPEG-b-PDLLA bloack copolymers. This approach provides for rapid self-assembly and structural reorganization at room temperature. Selected MPEG-b-PDLLA block copolymers were synthesized with systematic variation of the chain lengths of the resident hydrophilic and hydrophobic blocks. This allows the micelle size to be systematically varied. Results from this work are used to understand the formation mechanism of nanoporous structures in which the pore size and wall thickness are closely dependent on the size of hydrophobic cores and hydrophilic shells of the block copolymer templates. The core-shell mechanism for nanoporous structure evolution is based on the size and contrasting micellar packing arrangements that are controlled by the copolymer.