In-situ synthesis of gold nanoparticles within a self-assembled multiblock copolymer matrix for electrospun hybrid nanofibers

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title> <jats:p> Nanostructured materials (NMs) are a key subject in contemporary technological advancements due to their unique optical, electrical, and catalytic properties. Thus, this work investigates the fabrication and functionalization of nanofibers obtained from polystyrene- <jats:italic>block</jats:italic> -poly(2-vinyl pyridine) (PS <jats:italic>-b-</jats:italic> P2VP) block copolymers (BCPs) with a maximum molecular weight (Mp) of 1.184 × 10 <jats:sup>6</jats:sup> g mol <jats:sup>− 1</jats:sup> , the synthesis and characterization of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), and their integration to produce a hybrid nanomaterial. Electrospinning of PS <jats:italic>-b-</jats:italic> P2VP nanofibers for the fabrication of a BCP nanofiber matrix and subsequent synthesis of AuNPs was performed. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and attenuated Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy analyses confirmed the interaction between Au and P2VP for the successful synthesis of AuNPs functionalized nanofibers, exhibiting a fiber diameter range of 540–840 nm. Thermal properties measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) indicated an increase in melting temperature from 52 to 57 °C with the addition of AuNPs. Here, a demonstration of the effectiveness of combining a convenient electrospinning method with BCP self-assembly and in-situ nanoparticle synthesis to obtain advanced hybrid materials has been provided. The approach provides a reliable platform for generating materials with controlled nanoscale structures, which were analyzed in detail by electron microscopy methods. Optimized self-assembled BCP nanofibers with in situ synthesized AuNP are of particular interest for sensing and nanoelectronic applications, combining well-defined unique morphologies and properties. </jats:p>