Shape-Controlled Nanoparticles from a Low-Energy Nanoemulsion
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Date
2021-11-22
Publication Type
Journal Article
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yes
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Abstract
Nanoemulsion technology enables the production of uniform nanoparticles for a wide range of applications. However, existing nanoemulsion strategies are limited to the production of spherical nanoparticles. Here, we describe a low-energy nanoemulsion method to produce nanoparticles with various morphologies. By selecting a macro-RAFT agent (poly(di(ethylene glycol) ethyl ether methacrylate-co-N-(2-hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide) (P(DEGMA-co-HPMA))) that dramatically lowers the interfacial tension between monomer droplets and water, we can easily produce nanoemulsions at room temperature by manual shaking for a few seconds. With the addition of a common ionic surfactant (SDS), these nanoscale droplets are robustly stabilized at both the formation and elevated temperatures. Upon polymerization, we produce well-defined block copolymers forming nanoparticles with a wide range of controlled morphologies, including spheres, worm balls, worms, and vesicles. Our nanoemulsion polymerization is robust and well-controlled even without stirring or external deoxygenation. This method significantly expands the toolbox and availability of nanoemulsions and their tailor-made polymeric nanomaterials.
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published
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Journal / series
Volume
1 (11)
Pages / Article No.
1975 - 1986
Publisher
American Chemical Society
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Subject
Nanoparticles; Nanoemulsions; Miniemulsion; Low energy; Nanoparticle shape; RAFT polymerization; Polymeric nanomaterials
Organisational unit
09644 - Anastasaki, Athina / Anastasaki, Athina
09573 - Dufresne, Eric (ehemalig) / Dufresne, Eric (former)