Abstract: Junction-functionalized block copolymers can be used in forming nanostructures. A junction-functionalized block copolymer can include a first polymer block joined to a second polymer block by a junction, where the junction includes one or more electrostatically charged moieties. The block copolymer can include a moiety of formula (I): A-J-B??(I) where A is a first polymer block, B is a second polymer block, where the A block and the B block are chemically dissimilar, and J is a junction linking the A block to the B block, and including one or more electrostatically charged moieties.

Abstract: A method of preparing a polymer having a tapered block copolymer structure. The method comprises polymerizing a first olefin monomer and a different second olefin monomer in the presence of a catalyst supporting living or quasi-living polymerization. In certain embodiments, the catalyst comprises two neutral metal complexes. In preferred embodiments, a tapered block copolymer structure is formed by adding one monomer in a single batch at the start of the polymerization reaction, and adding a second monomer throughout the course of the reaction. The present invention also provides polymers having one or more tapered block copolymer sections, and compositions based on these polymers.