Chiral transfer-dictated self-assembly of chiral block copolymers

Chiral structures not only exist in nature widely,they also emerge in artificial systems,attracting myriad attentions due to their excellent mechanical,optical,electrical,and magnetic properties.Self-assembly of chiral block copolymers(BCPs*),where at least one block consists of chiral centers,represents a facile strategy to form helical/spiral/network structures with a controlled chirality.Usually,morphological chirality of BCP*assemblies was closely associated with molecular and conformational chirality of the chiral block.Generally,chiral assemblies arose from molecular chirality of BCPs*,transferring up in the assembly process and dictated the chirality at a higher hierarchical level.In contrast,notwithstanding similar assemblies could be observed from achiral BCPs under certain conditions,both left-and right-handed ones were usually observed simultaneously without a preference.Moreover,unique feature of BCPs*to access to controllable chiral assemblies affords an opportunity to prepare advanced functional materials.Herein,we dedicated a review on assembly of BCPs*into chiral assemblies in bulk/films,selective solvents,and confined spaces.The chiral transfer process in these assembly scenarios were discussed and highlighted as a key contributor to morphological chirality.Functionalities and representative applications of BCP*assemblies were also described,followed by present challenges and future prospects of BCP*self-assembly.