A facile synthesis of dynamic, shape-changing polymer particles.
We herein report a new facile strategy to ellipsoidal block copolymer nanoparticles that exhibit a pH-triggered anistropic swelling profile. In a first step, elongated particles with an axially stacked lamellae structure are selectively prepared by utilizing functional surfactants to control the phase separation of symmetric polystyrene-b-poly(2-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P2VP) in dispersed droplets. In a second step, the dynamic shape change is realized by cross-linking the P2VP domains, thereby connecting glassy PS discs with pH-sensitive hydrogel actuators.
Materials Research Laboratory, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106 (USA).
Daniel
D
Klinger
Cynthia X
CX
Wang
Luke A
LA
Connal
Debra J
DJ
Audus
Se Gyu
SG
Jang
Stephan
S
Kraemer
Kato L
KL
Killops
Glenn H
GH
Fredrickson
Edward J
EJ
Kramer
Craig J
CJ
Hawker
D020136:Hydrogel, Polyethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate / Q000737:chemistry; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D010316:Particle Size; D011137:Polystyrenes / Q000737:chemistry*; D011145:Polyvinyls / Q000737:chemistry*
D011137:Polystyrenes; D011145:Polyvinyls; C521881:poly(styrene)-block-poly(2-vinylpyrindine) diblock copolymer; D020136:Hydrogel, Polyethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate
block copolymers; microgels; nanoparticles; shape anisotropy; stimuli-responsive materials