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Synthesis and Characterization of Supramolecular Colloids
Published on: April 22, 2016
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A new route towards colloidal molecules with externally tunable interaction sites.
Linda K Månsson1, Jasper N Immink, Adriana M Mihut
1Division of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Lund University, 221 00 Lund, Sweden. jerome.crassous@fkem1.lu.se.
Faraday Discussions
|May 14, 2015
Summary
Researchers created self-assembled colloidal molecules using thermoresponsive microgels as tunable interaction sites. These microgel-decorated droplets reversibly associate with temperature changes, mimicking colloidal molecules with thermosensitive binding sites.
Area of Science:
- Colloid and Surface Science
- Materials Science
- Supramolecular Chemistry
Background:
- Thermoresponsive microgels offer tunable interaction sites for self-assembly.
- Pickering stabilization using microgels enables the formation of mini-emulsions.
- Controlling microgel-particle interactions is key to designing complex colloidal structures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a method for creating self-assembled colloidal molecules using thermoresponsive microgels.
- To investigate the formation and properties of microgel-decorated oil droplets.
- To demonstrate temperature-triggered reversible association of these decorated droplets.
Main Methods:
- Utilized poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) and poly(N-isopropylmethacrylamide) (PNIPMAM) microgels.
- Employed Pickering stabilization with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) oil droplets.
- Used fluorescence confocal laser scanning microscopy for visualization.
- Implemented in situ synthesis for creating monodisperse decorated droplets.
- Investigated temperature-dependent droplet association above the volume phase transition temperature (TVPT).
Main Results:
- Successfully formed thermosensitive patchy particles by adsorbing microgels to oil droplets.
- Achieved highly monodisperse microgel-decorated PDMS droplets with minimal microgel adsorption via in situ synthesis.
- Demonstrated reversible droplet association above the microgels' TVPT by tuning temperature.
- Observed formation of microgel clusters mimicking colloidal molecules through capillary forces.
Conclusions:
- Thermoresponsive microgels can act as tunable interaction sites for self-assembly.
- Microgel-decorated droplets exhibit temperature-responsive reversible association.
- The developed method provides a route to create colloidal molecules with discrete, thermosensitive binding sites.
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