Journal Article

FZJ-2019-05842

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Anisotropic Hollow Microgels That Can Adapt Their Size, Shape, and Softness

Nickel, A. C. ; Scotti, A. (Corresponding author) ; Houston, J.FZJ* ; Ito, T. ; Crassous, J. ; Pedersen, J. S. ; Richtering, W. (Corresponding author)FZJ*

2019
ACS Publ. Washington, DC

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1021/acs.nanolett.9b03507

Abstract: The development of soft anisotropic building blocks is of great interest for various applications in soft matter. Furthermore, such systems would be important model systems for ordering phenomena in fundamental soft matter science. In this work, we address the challenge of creating hollow and anisotropically shaped thermoresponsive microgels, polymeric networks with a solvent filled cavity in their center that are swollen in a good solvent. Sacrificial elliptical hematite silica particles were utilized as a template for the synthesis of a cross-linked N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAm) shell. By varying the amount of NIPAm, two anisotropic microgels were synthesized with either a thin or thick microgel shell. We characterized these precursor core–shell and the resulting hollow microgels using a combination of light, X-ray, and neutron scattering. New form factor models, accounting for the cavity, the polymer distribution and the anisotropy, have been developed for fitting the scattering data. With such models, we demonstrated the existence of the cavity and simultaneously the anisotropic character of the microgels. Furthermore, we show that the thickness of the shell has a major influence on the shape and the cavity dimension of the microgel after etching of the sacrificial core. Finally, the effect of temperature is investigated, showing that changes in size, softness, and aspect ratio are triggered by temperature.

Keyword(s): Polymers, Soft Nano Particles and Proteins (1st) ; Soft Condensed Matter (2nd)

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. JCNS-FRM-II (JCNS-FRM-II)
2. Neutronenstreuung (JCNS-1)
3. Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum (MLZ)

Research Program(s):

1. 6G4 - Jülich Centre for Neutron Research (JCNS) (POF3-623) (POF3-623)
2. 6G15 - FRM II / MLZ (POF3-6G15) (POF3-6G15)

Experiment(s):

1. KWS-2: Small angle scattering diffractometer (NL3ao)

Appears in the scientific report 2019

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Database coverage:
; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Current Contents - Physical, Chemical and Earth Sciences ; Ebsco Academic Search ; IF >= 10 ; JCR ; NCBI Molecular Biology Database ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Web of Science Core Collection

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