title: Facile synthesis of dumbbell-shaped multi-compartment nanoparticles.
abstract: In this article we report on the controlled synthesis of asymmetric lemon-shaped and dumbbell-shaped multi-compartment nanoparticles (MCPs) with a reactive surface and interesting morphology. In our approach we utilize partial coating of hematite ellipsoids with a hydrophobic polymer layer followed by selective silica deposition on the non-coated surface. Ellipsoidal hematite particles provide a non-centric asymmetry, which is strongly enhanced during the seeded emulsion polymerization. The asymmetric growth of polymers on the hematite particle surface is driven by phase separation phenomena, which lead to a reduction of the interfacial tension. We found the tips of the hematite ellipsoids to be uncovered after polymerization. A selective deposition of silica onto the free tips leads to dumbbell-shaped particles with hydrophilic and hydrophobic parts.
authors.affiliation: Functional and Interactive Polymers, DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Forckenbeckstrasse 50, D-52056 Aachen, Germany. pich@dwi.rwth-aachen.de.
authors.forename: Karla
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Doermbach
authors.forename: Andrij
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pich