Phenylethynylstyrene-cobalt carbonyl block copolymer composites

Treatment of a diblock copolymer containing an alkyne-functional block (polystyrene-block-poly(4-(phenylethynyl)styrene)) with dicobalt octacarbonyl (Co2(CO)8) leads to selective incorporation of Co2(CO)6 groups in the alkyne block. Examination of these composites in bulk and thin films by transmission electron microscopy reveals the formation of ordered phase-separated morphologies typical of block copolymers. Heating the polymer−cobalt carbonyl adducts at moderate temperatures (110 °C) leads to loss of CO and formation of insoluble polymer cobalt composites. High-temperature thermolysis of these materials leads to formation of carbonaceous materials containing cobalt nanoparticles.