Modeling hierarchically structured nanoparticle/diblock copolymer systems

Abstract

Despite progress in theories and simulations, the structure prediction of self-assembled materials beyond simple model systems remains a grand challenge. In this work, we present a molecular modeling approach for predicting the nanostructure of hybrid systems based on AB diblock copolymers and nanoparticles decorated with A, B, or mixed A/B homopolymer ligands. Using mesoscopic simulations, we derived phase diagrams as a function of nanoparticle concentration and decoration.