Work

Liquid Crystal-Based Emulsions for Synthesis of Spherical and Non-Spherical Particles with Chemical Patches

Year: 2013

Type: article

Abstract: We report the use of liquid crystal (LC)-in-water emulsions for the synthesis of either spherical or non-spherical particles with chemically distinct domains located at the poles of the particles. The approach involves the localization of solid colloids at topological defects that form predictably at surfaces of water-dispersed LC droplets. By polymerizing the LC droplets displaying the colloids at their surface defects, we demonstrate formation of both spherical and, upon extraction of the mesogen, anisotropic composite particles with colloids located at either one or both of the poles. Because the colloids protrude from the surfaces of the particles, they also define organized, chemical patches with functionality controlled by the colloid surface.

Source: Journal of the American Chemical Society

DOI: 10.1021/ja4022182

Authors: Frédéric Mondiot, Xiaoguang Wang, Juan J. de Pablo, Nicholas L. Abbott

Institution: University of Wisconsin–Madison

Language: English

Topic: Liquid Crystal Research Advancements

Subfield: Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: green