Synthesis, Self-Assembly, and Applications of Polyferrocenylsilane Block Copolymers

• Published in: Polymer Reviews Vol. 47; no. 2; pp. 165 - 195
• Main Authors: Rider, David A., Manners, Ian
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis Group 01.04.2007
• Subjects: block copolymer; micelle; nanotechnology; polyferrocene; polyferrocenylsilane; self-assembly
• ISSN: 1558-3724; 1558-3716; 1532-9038
• DOI: 10.1080/15583720701271302

The incorporation of metal atoms into synthetic polymer chains leads to desirable properties and generates a new and versatile class of functional materials with enhanced processability. New creative approaches have led to macromolecular structures in which metals are not only incorporated via the use of traditional covalent bonds but also by potentially reversible coordination interactions. Metallopolymers with precisely controlled chain length are therefore attracting rapidly expanding attention as a result of their properties and potential applications. This article focuses on polyferrocenylsilanes and polyferrocenylsilane block copolymers where iron and silicon are present in the main chain of the organometallic segment. These materials also represent an area of rapidly growing interest as a result of their self-assembly. The resulting nanostructured materials have a wealth of potential applications and recent breakthroughs in this area are discussed. The subject matter of the article is divided up into subsections covering polyferrocenylsilane homopolymer and block copolymer synthesis, solution and solid state self-assembly, and applications.