Fabrication of Versatile Janus Microparticles through Geometry and Surface Chemistry Control

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Colloid and Surface Chemistry

Background:

• Janus particles possess anisotropic structures and distinct physicochemical properties across their hemispheres.
• Their unique characteristics enable diverse applications, but traditional synthesis methods are complex and costly.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a facile and efficient method for fabricating versatile Janus particles.
• To achieve precise control over Janus ratio and surface wettability.

Main Methods:

• Utilized particle fixation at a three-phase interface and photopolymerization for Janus particle synthesis.
• Employed agarose gel and surfactant to define surface-coated boundaries via microparticle equilibrium at fluid interfaces.
• Applied poly(propylene glycol) diacrylate or poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) coatings on polystyrene microparticles for tunable chemical functionality.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated a simple approach for fabricating Janus particles with controlled Janus ratios and wettability.
• Showcased the ability to stabilize Pickering emulsions by adjusting particle morphology and wettability for interfacial behavior.
• Successfully encapsulated independent oil droplets in water or vice versa using the synthesized Janus particles.

Conclusions:

• The developed synthetic approach offers a straightforward and efficient route to Janus particle fabrication.
• This method facilitates the mass production of Janus particles with tunable properties.
• The synthesized Janus particles show potential for applications in biomedical and environmental engineering.