Crystallization as a means for the switching of nanoscale containers

Melting and crystallization are reported as a means for reversible switching of nanoscale containers. Aqueous dispersions of 10 nm particles of polyethylene with variable branching and crystallinity were prepared by catalytic polymerization with water-soluble Ni(II) complexes. Fluorescence studies of lipophilic probe molecules show that in the low-crystallinity particles they experience a more apolar environment. In crystalline particles, the amorphous portions which can accommodate guest molecules are at the periphery of the particle, such that the probe experiences the water-particle interface to some extent. The polarity experienced by the probe molecules can be switched reversibly by melting and crystallization of the individual dispersed particles. The temperature at which this occurs can be adjusted via the microstructure, that is, degree of branching, of the polymer.