In the quest to create materials that are both lightweight and strong, scientists have long been inspired by the intricate structures found in nature. From the lattice-like bones of birds to the porous, yet sturdy stems of plants, evolution has optimized these biological materials to achieve remarkable properties. However, replicating such designs in synthetic systems has proven challenging, particularly at the nanoscale.
Enter block copolymers, a class of self-assembling polymers that have emerged as a powerful tool for creating nanostructured materials. By carefully tuning the composition and processing of these polymers, researchers have been able to generate a wide variety of complex, ordered structures with feature sizes down to just a few nanometers. Among these, the gyroid – a convoluted, periodic network with a high surface area and unique optical properties – has garnered significant attention.
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