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Tailoring Pickering Double Emulsions by in Situ Particle Surface Modification.
Madhvi Tiwari1, Madivala G Basavaraj2, Venkateshwar Rao Dugyala1
1Soft Matter and Active Matter Lab, Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Bhopal, Bhopal, 462 066Madhya Pradesh, India.
Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids
|February 1, 2023
Summary
This study introduces a simple, single-step method for creating Pickering double emulsions using hematite and silica particles with oleic acid. This novel approach allows for controlled formation of various double emulsion types (w/o/w and o/w/o) and droplet sizes.
Area of Science:
- Colloid and Surface Science
- Materials Science
- Emulsion Technology
Background:
- Pickering double emulsions are vital for industrial applications but traditional preparation methods are complex and limited to specific types (w/o/w or o/w/o).
- Stabilizing double emulsions often requires multi-step processes, hindering efficient large-scale production and versatility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a simple, single-step in situ surface modification method for stabilizing diverse Pickering double emulsions.
- To investigate the role of hematite and silica particles, along with oleic acid, in controlling emulsion type and stability.
- To establish a strategy for tailoring double emulsion formation using particle systems and sequential surface modification.
Main Methods:
- Emulsification studies using binary (hematite + oleic acid) and ternary (hematite + silica + oleic acid) particle systems.
- Tuning particle wettability via direct or sequential addition of oleic acid to water-decane media.
- Characterization of emulsion types (single vs. double, w/o/w vs. o/w/o) and droplet size distribution using SEM imaging.
Main Results:
- Direct surface modification led to phase inversion from oil-in-water (o/w) to water-in-oil (w/o) emulsions.
- Sequential surface modification successfully transitioned single emulsions to double emulsions (o/w/o in binary system; w/o/w and o/w/o in ternary system).
- Double emulsion formation depended on oleic acid concentration, particle surface area ratio (S), and mixing protocols; droplet size was controllable.
Conclusions:
- A novel, easy, single-step method for preparing Pickering double emulsions was successfully developed.
- Sequential in situ surface modification offers a versatile strategy to control the formation of different double emulsion types using particle systems.
- The findings provide a pathway for tailored emulsion design with potential for broad industrial applications.
