Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2026

Using Polystyrene-block-poly(acrylic acid)-coated Metal Nanoparticles as Monomers for Their Homo- and Co-polymerization
Published on: July 9, 2015
Differences of internal structures between amphiphilic and hydrophobic block-copolymer nanoparticles
Takeshi Higuchi1, Hiroshi Yabu, Masatsugu Shimomura
1Graduate School of Science, Hokkaido University, NIOW8, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0810, Japan.
Abstract:
In this report, we show a novel and simple preparation method for obtaining block-copolymer nanoparticles. Regular-sized polymer nanoparticles are formed after evaporation of a good solvent from a polymer solution containing a non-volatile poor solvent and the volatile good solvent. Nanoparticles of poly(styrene-b-sodium acrylate), poly(styrene-b-4-vinylpyridine), and poly(styreneb-isoprene) were prepared by using this method. We also discuss the difference of internal structures between amphiphilic and hydrophobic block-copolymer nanoparticles. From the results of scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) imaging, the particles of amphiphilic block-copolymers have hollow structures were observed. On the other hand, the particles of a hydrophobic block-copolymer form lamellar micro-phase separation structures.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Characteristics and Nomenclature of Copolymers
Micelles
Surface Active Agents
Solubility
A solution is a homogeneous mixture composed of a solvent, the major component, and a solute, the minor component. The physical state of a solution—solid, liquid, or gas—is typically the same as that of the solvent. Solute concentrations are often described with qualitative terms such as dilute (of relatively low concentration) and concentrated (of relatively high concentration).
In a solution, the solute particles (molecules, atoms, and/or ions)...
Colloids

