Metalloblock Copolymers: New Functional Nanomaterials

Block copolymers containing metal centers and related segmented architectures are attracting attention as a class of materials with properties and functions that complement those of their all-organic analogues. These materials phase-separate into nanoscopic, metal-rich domains either in bulk or in thin films and form core–shell nanoparticles in selective solvents. Moreover, the linkages binding the metal centers can be varied from covalent bonds that lead to “static” bonding through to noncovalent, kinetically labile, or “dynamic” interactions, which affords remarkable flexibility in terms of materials design. In this Perspective we provide an overview of recent progress and future challenges in terms of applications in nanopatterning and sensing, and as stimuli-responsive and self-healing materials.