Prof. Dr. Axel Müller

We present an overview of statistical thermodynamic theories that describe the self-assembly of amphiphilic ionic/hydrophobic diblock copolymers in dilute solution. Block copolymers with both strongly and weakly dissociating (pH-sensitive) ionic block are considered. We focus mostly on structural and morphological transitions that occur in self-assembled aggregates as a response to varied environmental conditions (ionic strength and pH in the solution). The analytical theory is complemented by a numerical self-consistent field approach. Theoretical predictions are compared to selected experimental data on micellization of ionic/hydrophobic diblock copolymers in aqueous solutions.