Growth and Crystallization of Metal‐Containing Block Copolymer Nanotubes in a Selective Solvent

Abstract

Highly asymmetric metal-containing block copolymers are capable of forming nanotubes in solutions containing a nonpolar solvent. In this study, the time-dependent formation of these nanotubes is investigated and reveals how the aggregate nanostructures develop (see figure for an example at an early stage). These nanotubes are semicrystalline (see the diffraction pattern in the inset), suggesting that crystallization is at least partially responsible for the unique morphology formed by these block copolymers.