Nanostructured polymeric systems as nanoreactors for nanoparticle formation

The review concerns the syntheses of polymeric nanocomposites containing encapsulated nanoparticles formed in nanostructured polymeric systems including block copolymers, dendrimers, nanoporous polymers, polyelectrolyte gel–surfactant complexes and multilayered films. Nanostructures in amphiphilic block copolymers can form spontaneously both in the bulk (block microsegregation) and in solution (block copolymer micelle). In polymeric systems, nanostructures play the role of nanoreactors for the growing nanoparticles. The nanoparticle size, shape and size distribution are controlled by the nanostructure characteristics and synthesis conditions. The catalytic, magnetic and optical properties of these nanostructured polymeric nanocomposites are discussed.