POSS-based Amphiphiles: Synthesis and Use in Self-assembling Nanosystems and Nanomaterials

Background: Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS)-based amphiphiles can be divided into two types: traditional and shape amphiphiles, which are often composed of hydrophobic cage-like POSS moiety and hydrophilic/hydrophobic linear polymer segment, mainly exhibiting tadpole-, dumbbell- and starshaped structures. Objective: The aim of this review will give an overall understanding of POSS-based amphiphiles in synthesis, characterization and potential applications. Method: Combined click reaction with living (controlled) polymerization techniques, two main strategies, “POSS first” strategy and “polymer first” strategy, have been used to prepare POSS-based amphiphiles. Results: POSS-based amphiphiles can be self-assembly in specific solution and they have been widely applied in organic-inorganic materials, proton exchange membranes, catalyst supports, nanotechnologies, dyeencapsulation, and photoluminescence devices, etc. Conclusion: In this review, we majorly focus on the advances in the synthesis, self-assembling, and potential applications of POSS-based amphiphiles reported over the last decade.