Polymer encapsulated gibbsite nanoparticles: efficient preparation of anisotropic composite latex particles by RAFT-based starved feed emulsion polymerization

Synthesis of polymer-vesicle latex particles through an ATRP-based approach

The synthesis of polymer-vesicle latex particles by using extruded vesicles of dimethyldioctadecyl ammonium bromide (DODAB) via an atom transfer radical polymerization–based approach is reported. Cryo-TEM characterization revealed the growth of polymer from one side of the vesicle, and the final morphology of the resulting particles was affected by monomer feed composition. Protrusions or nanocapsules were synthesized when MMA:BA:EGDMA or MMA were used, respectively. Furthermore, it was found that the co-oligomer composition and chain length affect the resulting morphologies of the particles.

Graphical abstract

Laponite®-based colloidal nanocomposites prepared by RAFT-mediated surfactant-free emulsion polymerization: the role of non-ionic and anionic macroRAFT polymers in stability and morphology control

The synthesis of Laponite®-based nanocomposite latexes by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT)-mediated surfactant-free emulsion polymerization using different macroRAFT agents is described.

Ultra-thin patchy polymer-coated graphene oxide as a novel anticancer drug carrier

PISA generated polymer pimples on single graphene oxide sheets maintain colloidal stability for the adsorption and release of DOX.

Fundamentals of Emulsion Polymerization

A comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of emulsion polymerization and related processes is presented with the object of providing theoretical and practical understanding to researchers considering use of these methods for synthesis of polymer colloids across a wide range of applications. Hence, the overview has been written for a general scientific audience with no prior knowledge assumed. Succinct introductions are given to key topics of background science to assist the reader. Importance is placed on ensuring mechanistic understanding of these complex polymerizations and how the processes can be used to create polymer colloids that have particles with well-defined properties and morphology. Mathematical equations and associated theory are given where they enhance understanding and learning and where they are particularly useful for practical application. Practical guidance also is given for new researchers so that they can begin using the various processes effectively and in ways that avoid common mistakes.

Polymer-encapsulation of iron oxide clusters using macroRAFT block copolymers as stabilizers: tuning of the particle morphology and surface functionalization

We report the successful synthesis of superparamagnetic latex particles with a high fraction of magnetic materials and a fast magnetic response. Commercial fatty acid-modified iron oxide (IO) nanoparticles were first assembled into spherical clusters through an emulsification/solvent evaporation method. The resulting particles were stabilized with poly(2-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate)-b-polystyrene (PDMAEMA-b-PS) amphiphilic block copolymers obtained by RAFT, and used as seeds in the emulsion copolymerization of styrene and divinylbenzene (DVB), used as cross-linking agent. The latter revealed to be key in preserving the integrity of the clusters during the emulsion polymerization reaction, and a minimum amount (i.e. 10 wt%) was necessary to obtain stable latexes composed of a core of densely packed IO nanoparticles surrounded by a thin polymer shell. DVB also had a strong influence on the particle morphology as the core-shell morphology of the composite particles could be tuned with either a smooth polymer shell or a raspberry-like surface by adjusting the DVB-to-monomer weight ratio and the feeding conditions. The amphiphilic macroRAFT not only provides colloidal stability to the magnetic latexes, but also offers a versatile platform for the design of composite particles with tailored surface properties by an appropriate choice of the hydrophilic block. Our strategy was thus successfully extended to poly(acrylic acid)-b-polystyrene (PAA-b-PS) copolymers, leading to PAA-stabilized composite particles. Both kinds of IO-encapsulated particles showed superparamagnetic properties (magnetizations at saturation of 35 and 31 emu g-1 for PDMAEMA and PAA systems, respectively), and could thus find interesting applications as magnetic carriers in the biological field due to their thermo- (for PDMAEMA) and pH- (for PDMAEMA and PAA) responsive properties.

Morphology Control of Liposome - RAFT Oligomer Precursors to Complex Polymer Nanostructures

Different types of butyl acrylate (BA)-co-acrylic acid (AA) oligomers were synthesized via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization and mixed with extruded 200 nm dimethyldioctadecylammonium bromide vesicles. The resulting precursor structures form the basis for subsequent vesicle-templated polymerizations. Systematic variations in temperature, pH, oligomer length, and oligomer composition and their effects on precursor morphology were studied. Surprisingly, different morphologies were obtained, including capsules, protruded capsules, solid spheres, and multicompartment structures. For example, capsules and multicompartment structures were found to result from higher AA contents, and protruded capsules and solid particles resulted from lower AA contents. Subsequent chain extension of the RAFT oligomers resulted in polymer nanostructures resembling the precursor morphologies.

Interaction of Cationic, Anionic, and Nonionic Macroraft Homo- and Copolymers with Laponite Clay

The functionalization of Laponite RD platelets with different cationic, anionic, and nonionic homo- and copolymers synthesized by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) has been investigated. The effective interaction of the macromolecular RAFT agents (macroRAFTs) with the inorganic particles is known to be of crucial importance for the successful coating of minerals with polymers via RAFT-mediated emulsion polymerization to produce polymer-encapsulated inorganic particles. The macroRAFT agents synthesized in the present work contain carefully selected reinitiating R groups, which bear either ionizable tertiary amine or quaternary ammonium moieties (from 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate, DMAEMA), negatively charged acrylic acid (AA) repeat units, or neutral polyethylene glycol (PEG) side chains, and are capable of interacting with Laponite via different adsorption mechanisms. The equilibrium adsorption of these RAFT (co)polymers was investigated by the plotting of adsorption isotherms, and either L-type or H-type curves were obtained. The hydrophobicity of the macroRAFT was shown to promote adsorption, as did the pending configuration of the PEG block. Charge repulsion between AA and the negatively charged surface of Laponite at pH 7.5, on the other hand, was prejudicial for adsorption, while the strong electrostatic interaction between the cationic DMAEMA molecules and the Laponite surface led to high-affinity-type curves.

Emerging Trends in Polymerization-Induced Self-Assembly

In this Perspective, we summarize recent progress in polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) for the rational synthesis of block copolymer nanoparticles with various morphologies. Much of the PISA literature has been based on thermally initiated reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. Herein, we pay particular attention to alternative PISA protocols, which allow the preparation of nanoparticles with improved control over copolymer morphology and functionality. For example, initiation based on visible light, redox chemistry, or enzymes enables the incorporation of sensitive monomers and fragile biomolecules into block copolymer nanoparticles. Furthermore, PISA syntheses and postfunctionalization of the resulting nanoparticles (e.g., cross-linking) can be conducted sequentially without intermediate purification by using various external stimuli. Finally, PISA formulations have been optimized via high-throughput polymerization and recently evaluated within flow reactors for facile scale-up syntheses.

Emulsion and miniemulsion techniques in preparation of polymer nanoparticles with versatile characteristics

In recent years, polymer nanoparticles (PNPs) have found their ways into numerous applications extending from electronics to photonics, conducting materials to sensors and medicine to biotechnology. Physical properties and surface morphology of PNPs are the most important parameters that significantly affect on their exploitations and can be controlled through the synthesis process. Emulsion and miniemulsion techniques are among the most efficient and wide-spread methods for preparation of PNPs. The objective of this review is to present and highlight the recent developments in the advanced PNPs with specific properties that are produced through emulsion and miniemulsion processes.

Impact of critical micelle concentration of macroRAFT agents on the encapsulation of colloidal Au nanoparticles

HYPOTHESIS

Reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) - assisted encapsulating emulsion polymerization (REEP) has received considerable attention as an efficient strategy to prepare colloidal stable shell@core nanoparticles. Generally, amphipathic macroRAFT agents are used but the effect of working above or below the critical micelle concentration (CMC) of macroRAFT agents needs to be addressed. Hence, it is necessary to understand if this parameter has an impact not only on the stability of the colloids but also on the molecular mass of the polymer shell.

METHODS

Here, the CMC of three different macroRAFT agent was determined and the effect of macroRAFT agents concentration on the colloidal stability of gold nanoparticles coated with macroRAFT agents (macroRAFT@Au) assessed. The subsequent chain extension from macroRAFT@Au NPs, resulting in encapsulated Au nanoparticles (copolymer@Au), has also been systematically studied.

FINDINGS

Using the REEP approach it was possible to obtain stable encapsulated Au NPs. Moreover, this strategy opens the possibility of adjusting the macroRAFT agents concentration to tune the length of the polymer chains grown around Au cores which is of major interest for the design of biosensors based on responsive polymer shells, such as pH, temperature and photoluminescence quenching.

Recent advances in colloidal nanocomposite designviaheterogeneous polymerization techniques

Recent advances in colloidal nanocomposite design by heterogeneous polymerization are reviewed, with a specific focus on encapsulation and particle-based stabilization for specific materials applications.

A Roadmap towards Successful Nanocapsule Synthesis via Vesicle Templated RAFT-Based Emulsion Polymerization

Vesicle templated emulsion polymerization is a special form of emulsion polymerization where the polymer is grown from the outside of the vesicle, leading to nanocapsules. Cost effective nanocapsules synthesis is in high demand due to phasing out of older methods for capsule synthesis. Although the first indications of this route being successful were published some 10 years ago, until now a thorough understanding of the parameters controlling the morphologies resulting from the template emulsion polymerization was lacking. Most often a mixture of different morphologies was obtained, ranging from solid particles to pro-trusion structures to nanocapsules. A high yield of nanocapsules was not achieved until now. In this paper, the influence of initial vesicle dispersion, choice of the Reversible Addition-Fragmentation chain Transfer (RAFT) species and oligomer, monomer and crosslinker have been investigated. It turns out that good initial vesicle dispersion, molecular control of the RAFT process, a not too hydrophobic monomer and some crosslinking is needed to result in high yield of nanocapsules. In previous work, the level of RAFT control was often suboptimal and not properly verified and although nanocapsules were shown, other morphologies were also present. We now believe we have a full understanding of vesicle templated nanocapsules synthesis, relevant to many applications.

Polymer@gold Nanoparticles Prepared via RAFT Polymerization for Opto-Biodetection

Colloidal gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) have been used in several biological applications, which include the exploitation of size- and shape-dependent Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance (LSPR) in biosensing devices. In order to obtain functional and stable Au NPs in a physiological medium, surface modification and functionalization are crucial steps in these endeavors. Reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization meets this need offering the possibility of control over the composition and architecture of polymeric shells coating Au NPs. Furthermore, playing with a careful choice of monomers, RAFT polymerization allows the possibility to design a polymer shell with the desired functional groups aiming at Au based nanocomposites suitable for biorecognition and biotargeting. This review provides important aspects concerning the synthesis and optical properties of Au NPs as well as concepts of RAFT polymerization. Understanding these concepts is crucial to appreciate the chemical strategies available towards RAFT-polymer coated Au core-shell nanostructures, which are here reviewed. Finally, examples of applications in opto-biodetection devices are provided and the potential of responsive "smart" nanomaterials based on such structures can be applied to other biological applications.

Recent advances in RAFT-mediated surfactant-free emulsion polymerization

We summarized the RAFT-mediated surfactant-free emulsion polymerization using various RAFT agents and the polymerization types for the preparation of organic/inorganic hybrid materials.

Investigation of the Adsorption of Amphipathic macroRAFT Agents onto Montmorillonite Clay

Recently, there has been significant interest in the use of the reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) technique to generate a variety of organic/inorganic colloidal composite particles in aqueous dispersed media using the so-called macroRAFT-assisted encapsulating emulsion polymerization (REEP) strategy. In this process, special attention should be paid to the adsorption of the macromolecular RAFT (macroRAFT) agent onto the inorganic particles, as it determines the final particle morphology and can also influence latex stability. In this work, different amphipathic macroRAFT agents were synthesized by RAFT, and their adsorption onto commercial Montmorillonite clay Cloisite Na⁺ (MMT) was studied by means of adsorption isotherms. Three types of macroRAFT agents were considered: a nonionic one based on poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether acrylate (PEGA) and n-butyl acrylate (BA), anionic ones, including a block copolymer and random copolymers, based on acrylic acid (AA), BA and PEGA, and cationic ones based on 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA), BA and PEGA. Six adsorption isotherm models (Langmuir, Freundlich, Tempkin, Redlich-Peterson, Sips, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller) were adjusted to the experimental isotherms. The nonionic macroRAFT agent formed a monolayer on the clay surface with a maximum adsorption capacity of 400 mg g^-1 at pH 8, as determined from the Sips adsorption model. Adsorption of the AA-based macroRAFT agents onto MMT was moderate at alkaline pH due to electrostatic repulsions, but increased with decreasing pH. The DMAEMA-based macroRAFT agents displayed a much stronger interaction with the oppositely charged MMT surface at acidic pH due to electrostatic interactions, and the concentration of adsorbed macroRAFT agent reached values as high as 800 mg g^-1. The BET model fitted the experimental data relatively well indicating multilayer adsorption promoted by the presence of the hydrophobic BA units. In addition, the cationic macroRAFT agents afforded stable MMT/macroRAFT agent complexes as evaluated by dynamic light scattering and zeta potential analyses.

Nanocomposite latexes containing layered double hydroxides via RAFT-assisted encapsulating emulsion polymerization

Successful encapsulation of LDH nanoplatelets into latex particles.

ATRP mediated encapsulation of Gibbsite: fixation of the morphology by using a cross-linker

Gibbsite platelets were successfully encapsulated using a cross-linker in ATRP-mediated starved feed emulsion polymerisation.

Methacrylic block copolymers by sulfur free RAFT (SF RAFT) free radical emulsion polymerisation

We demonstrate the use of sulfur free reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer polymerisation (RAFT) as a versatile tool for the controlled synthesis of methacrylic block and comb-like copolymers.

Intercalation and structural aspects of macroRAFT agents into MgAl layered double hydroxides

Increasing attention has been devoted to the design of layered double hydroxide (LDH)-based hybrid materials. In this work, we demonstrate the intercalation by anion exchange process of poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) and three different hydrophilic random copolymers of acrylic acid (AA) and n-butyl acrylate (BA) with molar masses ranging from 2000 to 4200 g mol^-1 synthesized by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization, into LDH containing magnesium(II) and aluminium(III) intralayer cations and nitrates as counterions (MgAl-NO₃ LDH). At basic pH, the copolymer chains (macroRAFT agents) carry negative charges which allowed the establishment of electrostatic interactions with the LDH interlayer and their intercalation. The resulting hybrid macroRAFT/LDH materials displayed an expanded interlamellar domain compared to pristine MgAl-NO₃ LDH from 1.36 nm to 2.33 nm. Depending on the nature of the units involved into the macroRAFT copolymer (only AA or AA and BA), the intercalation led to monolayer or bilayer arrangements within the interlayer space. The macroRAFT intercalation and the molecular structure of the hybrid phases were further characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and solid-state ¹³C, ¹H and ²⁷Al nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopies to get a better description of the local structure.

Encapsulation of unmodified Gibbsite via conventional emulsion polymerisation using charged co-oligomers

A simple procedure for the encapsulation of unmodified Gibbsite was developed using conventional emulsion polymerization and charged oligomers as stabilisers.

An ATRP-based approach towards water-borne anisotropic polymer–Gibbsite nanocomposites

This paper describes the synthesis of anisotropic polymer–Gibbsite nanocomposites with “muffin-like” morphology via a starved-feed ATRP emulsion polymerisation.

Effect of MacroRAFT Copolymer Adsorption on the Colloidal Stability of Layered Double Hydroxide Nanoparticles

The colloidal behavior of layered double hydroxide nanoparticles containing Mg(2+) and Al(3+) ions as intralayer cations and nitrates as counterions (MgAl-NO3-LDH) was studied in the presence of a short statistical copolymer of acrylic acid (AA) and butyl acrylate (BA) terminated with 4-cyano-4-thiothiopropylsulfanyl pentanoic acid (CTPPA) (P(AA7.5-stat-BA7.5)-CTPPA) synthesized by reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerization. Surface charge properties and aggregation of the particles were investigated by electrophoresis and dynamic light scattering (DLS), respectively. The negatively charged P(AA7.5-stat-BA7.5)-CTPPA adsorbed strongly on the oppositely charged particles, leading to charge neutralization at the isoelectric point (IEP) and charge reversal at higher copolymer concentrations. The dispersions were unstable, i.e., fast aggregation of the MgAl-NO3-LDH occurred near the IEP while high stability was achieved at higher P(AA7.5-stat-BA7.5)-CTPPA concentrations. Atomic force (AFM) and transmission electron (TEM) microscopy imaging revealed that the platelets preferentially adopted a face-to-face orientation in the aggregates. While the stability of the bare particles was very sensitive to ionic strength, the P(AA7.5-stat-BA7.5)-CTPPA copolymer-coated particles were extremely stable even at high salt levels. Accordingly, the limited colloidal stability of bare MgAl-NO3-LDH dispersions was significantly improved by adding an appropriate amount of P(AA7.5-stat-BA7.5)-CTPPA to the suspension.

In Situ Synthesis of Catalytic Active Au Nanoparticles onto Gibbsite-Polydopamine Core-Shell Nanoplates

We report a facile method to synthesize anisotropic platelike gibbsite-polymer core-shell particles. Dopamine is self-polymerized on the surface of gibbsite nanoplates and forms a homogeneous layer on it. Transmission electron microscopy characterization of the resulting latexes demonstrates the formation of well-defined platelike core-shell particles. Reaction time and ultrasonification are found to be important factors to control the thickness of the polymer shell and avoid aggregation. Good control over the platelike morphology and 100% encapsulation efficiency have been achieved via this novel route. The resulting well-defined gibbsite-polydamine (G-PDA) core-shell nanoplates show excellent colloidal stability and can form opal-like columnar crystal with iridescent Bragg reflection after modest centrifugation. In addition, G-PDA core-shell nanoplates can serve both as reductant and stabilizer for the generation of Au nanoparticles (NPs) in situ. Au NPs with tunable size have been formed on the G-PDA particle surface, which show efficient catalytic activity for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol and Rhodamine B (RhB) in the presence of borohydride. Such nanocatalysts can be easily deposited on silicon substrate by spin-coating due to the large contact area of platelike G-PDA particles and the strong adhesive behavior of the PDA layer. The substrate-deposited nanocatalyst can be easily recycled which show excellent reusability for the reduction of RhB.

TiO2@C core-shell nanoparticles formed by polymeric nano-encapsulation

TiO2 semiconducting nanoparticles are known to be photocatalysts of moderate activity due to their high band-gap and high rate of electron-hole recombination. The formation of a shell of carbon around the core of TiO2, i.e., the formation of TiO2@C nanoparticles, is believed to partly alleviate these problems. It is usually achieved by a hydrothermal treatment in a presence of a sugar derivative. We present here a novel method for the formation of highly uniform C shell around TiO2 nanoparticles. For this purpose, TiO2 nanoparticles were dispersed in water using an oligomeric dispersant prepared by Reversible Addition-Fragmentation chain Transfer (RAFT) polymerization. Then the nanoparticles were engaged into an emulsion polymerization of acrylonitrile, resulting in the formation of a shell of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) around each TiO2 nanoparticles. Upon pyrolysis, the PAN was transformed into carbon, resulting in the formation of TiO2@C nanoparticles. The structure of the resulting particles was elucidated by X-Ray diffraction, FTIR, UV-VIS and Raman spectroscopy as well as TEM microscopy. Preliminary results about the use of the TiO2@C particles as photocatalysts for the splitting of water are presented. They indicate that the presence of the C shell is responsible for a significant enhancement of the photocurrent.