Synthesis of porphyrinic polystyrenes and their self-assembly with pristine fullerene (C60)

Four-arm porphyrinic polystyrenes (TPP-PS) were prepared with well controlled and low dispersity, by reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization, and their self-assembly morphology with fullerene (C60) was investigated. Monodisperse nanospheres of porphyrin–fullerene complexes were obtained in organic solvents, which showed morphological changes (shrinkage–swelling) under different parameters (concentration, solvent and polymeric chain length). The optimized parameters gave well controlled and convenient fabrication of monodisperse nanospheres which were confirmed in both solution and dry phases. Optical studies (UV/Vis and fluorescence) confirmed the inter-molecular interactions between porphyrin and fullerene, while transmission electron microscopy gave insight into the morphology of monodisperse nanospheres.

Four-arm porphyrinic polystyrenes were prepared by RAFT polymerization with different chain lengths, which were further studied for their self-assembly behavior with fullerene. The monodisperse nanospheres were obtained, showing morphological changes under different parameters, which were characterized by spectroscopic techniques.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Four-arm porphyrin polystyrenes were synthesized and self-assembled with C60.
► Monodisperse nanospheres were obtained in organic solvents.
► Effects of different parameters on morphology were studied.
► Nanospheres showed swelling-shrinkage properties under different solvents.
► Molecular interactions and morphology were studied by UV/fluorescence and TEM studies.