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Asymmetric Mesoporous Carbon Microparticles by 3D-Confined Self-Assembly of Block Copolymer/Homopolymer Blends and Selective Carbonization

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Abstract

Shape control of mesoporous carbon microparticles (MCMPs) is of critical importance; in particular, asymmetric shapes that can yield unique properties have attracted significant attention. However, the tailored synthesis of asymmetric MCMPs with ordered structures remains challenging. Herein, we report a facile route to prepare asymmetric MCMPs by neutral interface-guided 3D-confined self-assembly (3D-CSA) of block copolymer/homopolymer (BCP/hP) blends, followed by a self-templated selective direct carbonization strategy. BCP/hP Janus microparticles with ordered hierarchical mesostructures were prepared with emulsion solvent evaporation-induced 3D-CSA. The continuous phase of BCP domains was then crosslinked. Composite asymmetric MCMPs are successfully generated after selective carbonization of the crosslinked continuous phase. This method allows tuning the shape of MCMPs easily by varying the blending ratio of BCP/hP. The composite asymmetric MCMPs combine the advantages of asymmetric shape, ordered structure, high specific surface area, chemical inertness and thermal stability and could provide great possibilities for applications in catalysis, drug delivery, energy conversion and storage.

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Acknowledgments

This work was financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 52003094 and 52273010). We also acknowledge the HUST Analytical and Testing Center and the HUST Core Facilities of Life Sciences for providing characterization services. Prof. Jiang Gong is appreciated for his help in carbonization experiments.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. State Key Laboratory of Materials Processing and Die & Mould Technology, Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry for Energy Conversion and Storage of Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China

    Jing-Ye Liu, Hao-Rui Song, Mian Wang, Shao-Hong Jin, Zheng Liang, Xi Mao, Wang Li, Ren-Hua Deng & Jin-Tao Zhu

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  1. Jing-Ye Liu
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  2. Hao-Rui Song
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  3. Mian Wang
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  6. Xi Mao
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  7. Wang Li
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  8. Ren-Hua Deng
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Correspondence to Ren-Hua Deng or Jin-Tao Zhu.

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Asymmetric Mesoporous Carbon Microparticles by 3D-Confined Self-Assembly of Block Copolymer/Homopolymer Blends and Selective Carbonization

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Liu, JY., Song, HR., Wang, M. et al. Asymmetric Mesoporous Carbon Microparticles by 3D-Confined Self-Assembly of Block Copolymer/Homopolymer Blends and Selective Carbonization. Chin J Polym Sci 41, 787–793 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10118-023-2935-1

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