2. CO ₂-Controlled Polymer Self-Assembly and Application

Abstract

In this chapter, we present a brief introduction of the synthesis and properties of the CO ₂-responsive polymers with different CO ₂-responsive functional groups (tertiary amine, amidine, guanidine, imidazole, and carboxylic acid). Then we focus on the self-assembly behaviors of CO ₂-responsive polymers and the size, shape, and morphology transformation behaviors of their assemblies as triggered by CO ₂. Finally, we provide a review of selected recent studies demonstrating the potential applications of CO ₂-responsive polymer assemblies in the field of controllable encapsulation and release, CO ₂-induced gelation, and CO ₂-switchable surfactants.