NMR Studies of Block Copolymer-Based Supramolecules in Solution.

Hierarchical assemblies from block copolymer (BCP)-based supramolecules have shown immense potential as programmable materials owing to their versatility for incorporating functional molecules and provide access to arrays of hierarchical structures. However, there remains a knowledge gap on the formation of the supramolecule in solution. Here, we applied NMR techniques to investigate the solution-phase behavior of the most studied supramolecular systems, polystyrene- block -poly(4-vinylpyridine)(3-pentadecylphenol) (PS- b -P4VP(PDP) r ). The results show that the supramolecule likely adopts a coil-comb conformation, despite the small molecule's (PDP) rapid exchange between the bonded and free states. The exchange rate (>10 4 s -1 ) exceeds the NMR time scale at the frequency of interest. The supramolecules form under dilute conditions (∼2 vol %) and are attributed to the enthalpic gain of the hydrogen bonding between the PDP and 4VP. As the solute concentration increases (>10 vol %), the supramolecule forms micelle-like aggregates with PDP accumulated within the comb-block's pervaded volume based on analysis of the apparent molecular weight, viscosity, and chain dynamics. This work sheds light on the long-standing question regarding the evolution of the constituents in the BCP-based supramolecule in solution and provides valuable guidance toward their solution-based processing and morphological control.