Effect of Block Length and Side Chain Length Ratios on Determining a Multicompartment Micelle Structure

J Phys Chem B. 2019 Jun 6;123(22):4784-4791. doi: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.9b02231. Epub 2019 May 23.

Abstract

Previous work has identified the importance of the lipophilic-fluorophilic block length ratio Rl in predicting the morphology of linear lipophilic-hydrophilic-fluorophilic (hereafter referred to as BAC) micelle systems. Here, a generalized form R of this structural parameter is developed that makes no assumption of BAC triblock co-polymer linearity, while still providing accurate predictions of the micelle morphology. The morphologies of BAC micelles formed by triblock co-polymers with R1 or R1 have similar features, with the only notable difference being an inversion of the lipophilic and fluorophilic regions. A destabilization of the single-core micelle structure occurs as R approaches unity from either direction. Finally, the extent to which the micelle morphology depends on the polymer architecture instead of the composition alone is examined, with a decreased patchiness observed in BAC systems with very long block lengths. Through the modification of both the R -value and the polymer architecture, the micelle morphology can be effectively tuned for use in immobilized catalysis and nanoreactor applications.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.