Cocontinuous Nanostructures by Microphase Separation of Statistically Cross-Linked Polystyrene/Poly(2-vinylpyridine) Networks

Cocontinuous polymeric nanostructures have drawn considerable attention due to their ability to combine distinct, percolation-dependent properties of two different polymer domains. Randomly end-linked copolymer networks (RECNs) have previously been shown to support the formation of disordered cocontinuous nanostructures across wide composition windows in a robust way. However, achieving highly efficient linking of telechelic polymers with excellent end-group fidelity often requires complex synthetic routes. As an alternative, we study here statistically cross-linked copolymer networks (SCCNs) composed of polystyrene and poly(2-vinylpyridine) (PS and P2VP) with cross-linkable allyl pendent groups that are conveniently synthesized by controlled radical copolymerization. Via selective extraction of P2VP, coupled with gravimetry, small-angle X-ray scattering, and electron microscopy, we find disordered cocontinuous phases across wide composition ranges (up to approximate to 35 wt %), approaching values previously determined for RECNs. Remarkably, even for samples that appear to exhibit full percolation, a substantial fraction of P2VP (approximate to 20-30 wt %) cannot be removed, which we ascribe to short strands between nearby cross-linkers that are physically embedded within PS domains. The resulting PS porous monoliths with residual surface P2VP layers enable facile surface modification to resist protein adsorption and templating of porous gold nanostructures.