Freezing-induced ordering of block copolymer micelles

Chem Commun (Camb). 2014 Oct 25;50(83):12572-4. doi: 10.1039/c4cc05556j.

Abstract

We demonstrate here the ordering of block copolymer micelles by ice templating, below 0 °C. We used this for the preparation of silica monoliths that present an ice-templated macroporosity, combined with a 2D hexagonal mesostructure templated by the addition of P123. We propose a mechanism triggered by the progressive freezing-induced concentration.