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Responsive Shape Change of Sub-5 nm Thin, Janus Polymer Nanoplates
Journal article

Responsive Shape Change of Sub-5 nm Thin, Janus Polymer Nanoplates

Hao Qi, Tian Zhou, Shan Mei, Xi Chen and Christopher Y. Li
ACS macro letters, v 5(6), pp 651-655
01 Jun 2016
PMID: 35614666

Abstract

Physical Sciences Polymer Science Science & Technology
Responsive shape changes in soft materials have attracted significant attention in recent years. Despite extensive studies, it is still challenging to prepare nanoscale assemblies with responsive behaviors. Herein we report on the fabrication and pH-responsive properties of sub-S nm thin, Janus polymer nanoplates prepared via crystallization-driven self-assembly of poly(e-caprolactone)-b-poly(acrylic acid) (PCL-b-PAA) followed by cross-linking and disassembly. The resultant Janus nanoplate is comprised of partially cross-linked PAA and tethered PCL brush layers with an overall thickness of similar to 4 nm. We show that pronounced and reversible shape changes from nanoplates to nanobowls can be realized in such a thin free-standing film. This shape change is achieved by exceptionally small stress a few orders of magnitude smaller than conventional hydrogel bilayers. These three-dimensional ultrathin nanobowls are also mechanically stable, which is attributed to the tortoise-shell-like crystalline domains formed in the nanoconfined curved space. Our results pave a way to a new class of free-standing, ultrathin polymer Janus nanoplates that may find applications in nanomotors and nanoactuators.

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Polymer Science
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