Recent Progress in Janus Nano-Objects with Asymmetric Polymer Brushes

Over the past few decades, Janus materials have drawn much interest owing to the combination of two different functionalities on the opposite sides. Janus nano-objects (JNOs) with asymmetric polymer brushes are one unique material of them, which consist of a polymeric or inorganic core and asymmetric polymer chains coated on the core. Combining the properties of nanomaterials, asymmetric structures and flexible polymer brushes, hairy JNOs have shown great potential in interfacial compatibilization, interfacial catalysis, oil-water separation and drug delivery. This review summarizes recent progress in the preparation strategies of JNOs with asymmetric polymer brushes via self-assembly or grafting strategies, as well as their applications in interfacial engineering, biomedicine and other aspects. Finally, the outlook and challenges of this direction are discussed. This review summarizes recent progress in the synthetic routes and applications of Janus nano-objects with asymmetric polymer brushes. In particular, studies on block copolymer self-assembly methods for Janus micelles and grafting strategies for inorganic@polymer composite Janus nano-objects are focused. In addition, their applications in interfacial engineering, oil-water separation, drug delivery and nanomotors are discussed.image