Freezing-induced ordering of block copolymer micelles

TL;DR

This paper explores how ice templating induces ordering in block copolymer micelles below freezing temperatures, enabling the creation of silica monoliths with specific macroporous and mesostructured features.

Contribution

It introduces a novel ice templating method to order block copolymer micelles and control porosity in silica monoliths at sub-zero temperatures.

Findings

Successful formation of silica monoliths with ice-templated macroporosity

Achievement of a 2D hexagonal mesostructure via P123 addition

Mechanism involving freezing-induced concentration changes

Abstract

We demonstrate here the ordering of block copolymer micelles by ice templating, below 0 {\deg}C. We used this for the preparation of silica monoliths that present an ice-templated macroporosity, combined with a 2D hexagonal mesostructure templated by the addition of P123. We propose a mechanism triggered by the progressive freezing-induced concentration.