1. R. H. Deng, F. X. Liang, J. T. Zhu, Z. Z. Yang*, "Recent Advances in Synthesis of Janus Nanomaterials of Block Copolymers", Frontiers Mater. Chem. 2017, 1, 431 - 443.
We present a review of the very recent advances in synthesis of block copolymer (BCP) Janus nanomaterials. Although Janus micelles can form by self-assembly of BCPs in solution, patchy or core-shell structures are usually dominant. Structural transformation of the core-shell structure or disassembly of the patchy structure is further employed to achieve Janus nanomaterials. Disassembly of ABC tri-block terpolymer suparmolecular structures is advantageous in much easier tuning shape of the Janus nanomaterials from sphere to cylinder and sheet/disc. Narrow molecular weight distribution and strict processing conditions are required. Emulsion droplet confined self-assembly of BCPs can directly achieve Janus nanomaterials in a sufficiently small droplet and/or at low polymer concentration. Neutral emulsion interface is required using proper surfactants. Alternatively, a general method has been proposed to prepare Janus nanomaterials by guided self-assembly of BCPs within a confined environment by strong interaction and the selective crosslinking of one block. The aforementioned Janus nanomaterials are in the form of polymer cluster. Single chain Janus nanomaterials of BCPs can be prepared by intramolecular crosslinking of one block in a very dilute solution. It remains challenging to synthesize single chain Janus nanomaterials at high solid content for example tens percentage. At the end of this review, perspective of the BCP Janus nanomaterials is proposed.