Header menu link for other important links
X
Synthesis of non-spherical patchy particles at fluid-fluid interfaces: via differential deformation and their self-assembly
Manigandan Sabapathy, Yogesh Shelke, ,
Published in Royal Society of Chemistry
2016
Volume: 12
   
Issue: 27
Pages: 5950 - 5958
Abstract
Non-spherical patchy particles are potential candidates as building blocks for the design of target colloidal structures via spontaneous self-organization. We report a facile scheme to synthesize non-spherical particles with patchy electrostatic interactions. In this method, charged spherical latex particles such as polystyrene (PS) are deformed unequally at an oil-water interface due to heating and partial swelling. The spherical particles then evolve into non-spherical shapes such as 'acorn-like' and 'idly-like'. We explain the mechanism of differential deformation by comparing the heat of viscous dissipation and the interfacial energies. Furthermore, if oppositely charged additives such as the cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) surfactant or silica nanoparticles are present in water (subphase), electrostatic attraction leads to adsorption of these species on the PS surface exposed to water. As a result, one side of the particles is selectively functionalized, while the other side remains unaltered. As the latex particles are negatively charged initially, this method yields particles that are non-spherical in shape and with negative charges on one side and positive charges on the other side. The degree of shape deformation and patch coverage can be varied by choosing different surface active additives. We extend this approach to curved interfaces and demonstrate a high throughput emulsion based approach for the synthesis of such particles. Self-assembly of these particles shows interesting structures such as linear, branched polymeric or worm-like chains and micelle-like spherical aggregates. These shape anisotropic particles with orientation specific interactions that mimic bio-macromolecular systems can be further explored for self-assembly into hierarchical mesoscale structures. This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2016.
About the journal
JournalData powered by TypesetSoft Matter
PublisherData powered by TypesetRoyal Society of Chemistry
ISSN1744683X
Open AccessYes
Concepts (19)
  •  related image
    Deformation
  •  related image
    Electrostatics
  •  related image
    Emulsification
  •  related image
    Hierarchical systems
  •  related image
    Ionic liquids
  •  related image
    Latexes
  •  related image
    Phase interfaces
  •  related image
    Self assembly
  •  related image
    Spheres
  •  related image
    Two phase flow
  •  related image
    Anisotropic particles
  •  related image
    Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide
  •  related image
    DIFFERENTIAL DEFORMATION
  •  related image
    Electrostatic attractions
  •  related image
    Fluid fluid interfaces
  •  related image
    Macromolecular systems
  •  related image
    NONSPHERICAL PARTICLE
  •  related image
    SURFACE-ACTIVE ADDITIVES
  •  related image
    Agglomeration