AMPHIPHILIC BLOCK-COPOLYMERS

Amphiphilic block copolymers self-assemble into a variety of mesoscopi c structures comprising micellar and ordered continuous topologies. Si ze and topology of these structures can be controlled by variation of block lengths. Their stability allows the preparation of well-defined polymer/inorganic hybrid materials. Quantum-size semiconductor colloid s as well as nanometer-sized noble metal colloids can be prepared with in block copolymer microdomains. Enhanced stability of such colloids a llows to use them as efficient catalysts.