Selective distribution of surface-modified TiO2 nanoparticles in polystyrene-b-poly (methyl methacrylate) diblock copolymer

Abstract

Ordered aggregates of surfactant-modified TiO2 nanoparticles in the selective block of lamellar assemblies of the diblock copolymer PS-b-PMMA have been prepared. The hydrophobic or hydrophilic nature of the tethered surfactant determines the location of TiO2 nanoparticles in the corresponding block, as confirmed by transmission electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The modes of dispersion of TiO2 in the blocks depend on the type of bonding between the surfactant and TiO2. Photoluminescence studies of these nanocomposites demonstrate that the location of TiO2 nanoparticles affect the block copolymer's luminescence at different wavelengths.