Preparation of a diblock supramolecular copolymer via self-sorting organization

By incorporating a bis(crown ether) into an otherwise immiscible supramolecular polymer blend prepared from self-sorting organization of two heteroditopic AB-type monomers, a compatible AB diblock supramolecular copolymer was formed. The formation of the supramolecular copolymer was characterized by various techniques including ¹H NMR, DOSY, specific viscosity, and SEM. Because of the existence of the glue-like bis(crown ether), newly formed supramolecular copolymer shows quite different properties from those of the immiscible supramolecular polymer blend in solution, in gel, and in the solid state. The evolution between the blend and the copolymer can be realized reversibly by adding or removing the bis(crown ether). This study provides an efficient and convenient strategy to control phase separation and morphology in supramolecular polymers and to prepare complex and highly ordered supramolecular structures.