ePubs

The open archive for STFC research publications

Full Record Details

Persistent URL http://purl.org/net/epubs/work/54448
Record Status Checked
Record Id 54448
Title Spontaneous symmetry breaking : formation of Janus micelles
Contributors
Abstract We describe the preparation and solution properties of Janus micelles, i.e., non-centrosymmetric nanoparticles with compartmentalized shells, via co-assembly of two fully water-soluble block copolymers. They consist of a mixed core of poly(N-methyl-2-vinyl pyridinium iodide) (P2MVP) and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), and a shell segregated into two sides, consisting of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) or poly(acryl amide) PAAm. These Janus particles form spontaneously and reversibly, i.e., association, dissocation, and reassociation can be carefully controlled via parameters, such as polymer mixing fraction, solution pH, and ionic strength. Dynamic (polarized and depolarized) and static light scattering, cryogenic transmission electron microscopy, small angle neutron and X-ray scattering, and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy are used to monitor the micellar formation and to characterize the micellar structure. The Janus particles were found to be ellipsoidal, with a cigarlike overall shape and a disc-like core. This peculiar morphology is driven by the delicate interplay between two opposing forces: an attraction between the oppositely charged core blocks and a subtle repulsion between the water-soluble, neutral corona blocks.
Organisation ISIS , ISIS-LOQ , STFC
Keywords Materials , Chemistry
Funding Information
Related Research Object(s):
Licence Information:
Language English (EN)
Type Details URI(s) Local file(s) Year
Journal Article Soft Matter 5 (2009): 999-1005. doi:10.1039/b812793j Voets_Janus_Micel…r_b812793j_proof.pdf 2009