Synthesis of Janus and Patchy Particles Using Nanogels as Stabilizers in Emulsion Polymerization

Polymer nanogels are used as colloidal stabilizers in emulsion polymerization. The nanogels were made by the covalent cross-linking of block copolymer micelles, the macromolecular building blocks of which were synthesized using a combination of catalytic chain transfer emulsion polymerization and reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) of methacrylate monomers. The use of the nanogels in an emulsion polymerization led to anisotropic Janus and patchy colloids, where a latex particle was decorated by a number of patches on its surface. Control of the particle size and patch density was achieved by tailoring of the reaction conditions, such as varying the amount of nanogels, pH, and salt concentration. Overall, the emulsion polymerization process in the presence of nanogels as stabilizers is shown to be a versatile and easily scalable route toward the fabrication of Janus and patchy polymer colloids.