Hyperbranched polymers and dendrimers as templates for organic/inorganic hybrid nanomaterials

J Nanosci Nanotechnol. 2014 Feb;14(2):1631-46. doi: 10.1166/jnn.2014.8750.

Abstract

This paper reviews the recent research and development of hyperbranched polymers (HPs) and dendrimers, and their use as templates for organic-inorganic hybrid nanomaterials. Hyperbranched polymers (HPs) are highly branched macromolecules with three-dimensional globular structures featuring unique properties such as low viscosity, high solubility, and a large number of terminal functional groups compared to their linear analogs. They are easily prepared by (1) condensation polymerization, (2) self-condensing vinyl copolymerization (SCVCP), and (3) ring-opening multibranch polymerization methods. Organic-inorganic hybrid nanomaterials are synthesized by a template approach using HPs/dendrimers. Monometallic, bimetallic (alloy and core/shell), semiconductor, and metal oxide nanoparticles have been prepared by this route. The dendrimer component of these composites serves not only as a template for preparing the nanoparticles but also as a stabilizer for the nanoparticles.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Dendrimers / chemistry*
  • Inorganic Chemicals / chemistry*
  • Macromolecular Substances / chemistry
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Molecular Imprinting / methods*
  • Nanostructures / chemistry*
  • Nanostructures / ultrastructure*
  • Organic Chemicals / chemistry*
  • Polymers / chemistry*
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Dendrimers
  • Inorganic Chemicals
  • Macromolecular Substances
  • Organic Chemicals
  • Polymers