Self-Assembly of Block Copolymers with Tailored Functionality: From the Perspective of Intermolecular Interactions

Recent advances in the synthesis of block copolymers have enabled the creation of smart and functional designer polymers possessing specific intermolecular interactions. The long-range nature of these interactions strongly affects the molecular packings and microstructures of such polymers, which are intimately related to their properties. In addition to various applications, their unique physicochemical properties, distinguished from conventional block copolymers, are attracting significant attention from polymer and materials scientists. In this review, we describe the current understanding of the structure-property relationship of block copolymers having long-range interactions and suggest possible directions of technological development. We particularly focus on how specific interactions, such as Coulombic, π-π stacking, hydrogen-bonding, and metal/ion-dipole interactions, affect the molecular arrangements of block copolymers on the nanometer and molecular scales. Such information could lead to block copolymers with more advanced functions for future nanotechnologies.