Supramolecular self-assembly of amphiphilic hyperbranched polymers at all scales and dimensions: progress, characteristics and perspectives

Abstract

This feature article describes the supramolecular self-assembly of hyperbranched polymers (HBPs), including the progress, unique characteristics and future perspectives. HBPs are irregular in molecular structure compared with that of linear block copolymers and dendrimers. However, similar to these well-defined polymer tectons, HBPs have displayed great potential to be excellent precursors in solution self-assembly, interfacial self-assembly and hybrid self-assembly. Many impressive supramolecular aggregates and hybrids at all scales and dimensions, such as macroscopic tubes, micro- or nano-vesicles, fibers, spherical micelles and honeycomb films, have been generated. In addition, HBPs also demonstrate unique characteristics or advantages in supramolecular self-assembly behaviours, including controllable morphologies and structures, special properties, characteristic self-assembly mechanism and facile functionalization process. Although still being at the early stage, self-assembly of HBPs has provided a new avenue for the development of supramolecular chemistry.