Abstract

A chemical reaction that drives a physical polymer self-assembly process: PISAcombines block copolymer synthesis and nanoparticle formation efficiently at high polymer concentrations. Various nanoparticle morphologies (such as: spheres, worms and vesicles) can readily be prepared in polar and non-polar media. PISA has been well-developed in combination with Reversible Addition-Fragmentation Chain Transfer (RAFT) polymerization. However, noteworthy developments with other polymerization methods are also achieved. Herein, the general principles of RAFT-PISA, and of the nanoparticles obtained from this method, are discussed first. More specifically, recent new insights in polymer nucleation and the subsequent morphological evolution are highlighted. Subsequently, PISA formulations that utilize other polymerization methods (Atom-Transfer Radical Polymerization (ATRP), Nitroxide-Mediated Polymerization (NMP), Ring-OpeningMethathesis Polymerization (ROMP) and Ring-Opening Polymerization (ROP) of N-carboxyanhydrides) are summarized in detail. Additionally, more exotic PISA formulations are highlighted, these are based on: Organotellurium-Mediated Living Radical Polymerization (TERP), Living Anionic Polymerization (LAP), Addition-Fragmentation Chain Transfer (AFCT) Polymerization, Reversible Complexation-Mediated Polymerization (RCMP) and Cobalt-Mediated Radical Polymerization (CMRP), or utilize a co-monomer that undergoes Radical Ring-Opening Polymerization (rROP). This review is concluded with a perspective on the status and potential of PISA.

文章链接：CCS Chemistry 2020, DOI:10.31635/ccschem.020.202000470.