  Using Monte Carlo simulations, we investigate the self-assembly of model
nanoparticles inside a matrix of model equilibrium polymers (or matrix of
Wormlike micelles) as a function of the polymeric matrix density and the
excluded volume parameter between polymers and nanoparticles. In this paper, we
show morphological transitions in the system architecture via synergistic
self-assembly of nanoparticles and the equilibrium polymers. In a synergistic
self-assembly, the resulting morphology of the system is a result of the
interaction between both nanoparticles and the polymers, unlike the polymer
templating method. We report the morphological transition of nanoparticle
aggregates from percolating network-like structures to non-percolating clusters
as a result of the change in the excluded volume parameter between
nanoparticles and polymeric chains. In parallel with the change in the
self-assembled structures of nanoparticles, the matrix of equilibrium polymers
also shows a transition from a dispersed state to a percolating network-like
structure formed by the clusters of polymeric chains. We show that the shape
anisotropy of the nanoparticle clusters formed is governed by the polymeric
density resulting in rod-like, sheet-like or other anisotropic nanoclusters. It
is also shown that the pore shape and the pore size of the porous network of
nanoparticles can be changed by changing the minimum approaching distance
between nanoparticles and polymers. We provide a theoretical understanding of
why various nanostructures with very different morphologies are obtained.
