During the SusArt fellowship, the research focused on the design, synthesis, and self-assembly of biodegradable bottlebrush block copolymers (BBCPs) to generate bio-inspired photonic materials.
1. Polymer synthesis and design
- Several series of sustainable BBCPs were successfully synthesized with controlled backbone length and sidechain density.
- Characterization by NMR, GPC, DSC, and TGA confirmed structural precision, thermal stability, and narrow dispersity, providing the foundation for reproducible self-assembly.
2. Self-assembly and structural coloration
- BBCPs were confined in emulsion droplets using microfluidic techniques, which induced ordered lamellar morphologies resembling natural iridocytes.
- Optical microscopy and UV-vis spectroscopy confirmed structural color generation spanning blue to red, demonstrating tunable coloration through molecular design and confinement.
- SAXS, SEM, and TEM analysis revealed hierarchical nanostructures and correlated nanoscale order with macroscopic color.
3. Stimuli-responsive nanonetworks
- Proof-of-concept materials were created where applied strain modified lamellar spacing and produced reversible color shifts.
- Preliminary incorporation of strain induced optical response.
- These adaptive systems represent an important step toward smart, responsive photonic coatings.
4. Integration of characterization methods
- An integrated pipeline was established combining scattering (SAXS), electron microscopy, spectroscopy, and custom-built optical setups.
- This multi-modal approach enabled detailed structure–property correlations, advancing both fundamental understanding and methodology in polymer photonics.
5. Training and laboratory establishment
- A dedicated polymer synthesis laboratory was set up at MPIKG, equipped with advanced polymer and optical characterization tools.
- The fellow supervised students and initiated collaborations with Fraunhofer IAP and Penn State, strengthening knowledge transfer and capacity building.
