Block Copolymers-Enabled Organic-Organic Assembly for Unique Carbonaceous Micro-/Nano-Structures

Over the past decade, there has been growing research interest in deriving advanced carbonaceous materials with unique architectures, including diverse morphologies and compositions, from polymer-based precursors with tailored nano/micro-structures. The organic-organic assembly between organic molecules and block copolymers (BCPs) has emerged as a promising strategy for advancing the preformed polymers with multiple levels of complexity. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the synthesis and potential applications of unique carbonaceous nano/micro-structures derived from commonly used organic precursors, including phenol/formaldehyde, dopamine, and biomass. It begins with a brief summary of the polymerization mechanism for each type of precursors. Following this, it details the delicate design and preparation strategies for unique polymer architectures, including the formation mechanisms of the first-level assembly involving BCPs and organic precursors, which form composite micelles as building units, and the principles for manipulation the higher-level assembly process of the composite micelles, illustrated with some representative examples. The review then highlights the advanced applications of these materials in heterogeneous catalysts, secondary batteries, separation, and intelligent drug delivery systems. Finally, the synthetic challenges and potential development directions of unique carbonaceous nano/micro-structures are outlined, underscoring a pathway for developing advanced materials. The organic-organic assembly of block copolymers and organic molecules has emerged as a promising strategy for developing complex carbonaceous materials. This review overviews the synthesis and applications of unique polymeric/carbonaceous nano/micro-structures using common organic precursors, including phenol/formaldehyde, dopamine and biomass, focusing on the multi-level assembly mechanisms. The challenges and future perspectives are also outlined and discussed. image