Dynamic light scattering and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy investigations on metallo-supramolecular aqueous micelles: evidence of secondary aggregation

Regev, Oren; Gohy, Jean-Francois; Lohmeijer, Bas G. G.; Varshney, Sunil K.; Hubert, Dominique H. W.; Schubert, Ulrich S.

Abstract:

Metallo-supramolecular diblock copolymers consisting of a polystyrene (PS) block connected to a poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) block by a bis(terpyridine)ruthenium complex (PS20-[Ru]-PEOy) were used to prepare aqueous micelles. The length of the PS block was kept constant, while two PEOs of different molecular weight were used. The resulting hydrated micelles and aggregates were characterized by a combination of cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo- TEM) and dynamic light scattering measurements. The results were compared to those obtained for a covalent counterpart (PS22-b- PEO70). Cryogenic transmission electron microscopy allowed visualization of the PS core of the micelles. Moreover, the aggregates result from clustering of individual micelles.

Year:

2004

Type of Publication:

Article

Keywords:

Metallo supramolecular chemistry; Block copolymers; Micelles; Cryogenic transmission electron microscopy; Dynamic light scattering

Journal:

Colloid and Polymer Science

Volume:

282

Pages:

407 - 411