Preparation of Janus nanoparticles from block copolymer thin films using triazolinedione chemistry

Abstract

A nanostructured thin film obtained from a polystyrene-block-poly(4-vinylpyridine) diblock copolymer was used as a template to produce Janus-type nanoparticles. This was achieved by functionalizing the poly(4-vinylpyridine) microdomains with a diene molecule and by cross-linking them with diiodo compounds. A poly(methacrylate) chain end-functionalized by a triazolinedione group was selectively clicked onto the top of the poly(4-vinylpyridine) microdomains. The Janus nanoparticles were then released in solution by the dissolution of the thin film in a good solvent.