Site‐Specific Recognition of Nanophase‐Separated Surfaces of Amphiphilic Block Copolymers by Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic Gold Nanoparticles

Abstract

Likes attract: Site-specific recognition of the nanophase-separated surface of a PEOm-b-PMA(Az)n film (PEO=polyethylene oxide, PMA(Az)=polymethacrylate with azobenzene-based liquid-crystalline side-chain) by hydrophilic and hydrophobic gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) was studied. The hydrophilic and hydrophobic Au NPs were found to selectively assemble on the hydrophilic PEO and hydrophobic PMA(Az) domains, respectively.