Self-assembly and Properties of Block Copolymers Containing Mesogen-Jacketed Liquid Crystalline Polymers as Rod Blocks

Mesogen-jacketed liquid crystalline polymer (MJLCP) has attracted great attention because of its rigid conformation, facile synthesis, and structural controllability. In this feature article, the self-assembly of MJLCP-based block copolymers (BCPs) is briefly reviewed, especially the nanostructures of rod-coil diblock copolymers (diBCPs), rod-rod diBCPs, and triblock copolymers. In addition, the properties of the self-assembled BCPs are also summarized, including their applications as liquid crystalline thermoplastic elastomers and solid polymer electrolytes. The article also discusses the major challenges and future directions in the study of MJLCP-based BCPs.