Multi-responsive hybrid Janus nanoparticles: Surface functionalization through solvent physisorption

Abstract

In this work, we present a simple methodology to produce multi-responsive Janus nanoparticles using a Pickering emulsion-based approach. In order to use these nanoparticles (NPs) as emulsion stabilizers, tetrahydrofuran was physisorbed on the surface of freshly synthesized Fe3O4@SiO2 NPs, which reduced their inherent hydrophilic character and permitted to create a close packed arrangement of particles at the emulsion interface. This situation allowed selective functionalization of the surface of the nanoparticles exposed to the water phase with a vinyl derivate molecule, which permitted to initiate the sequential polymerization of pNIPAM and poly(vinylimidazole). Thus, we obtained Janus nanoparticles that responded to changes in the temperature and the pH of the media as well as to external magnetic fields. The presented method does not require the surface modification of the original nanoparticles with surfactants or the use of fused silica and provides an easy way to create Janus particles in the nanoscale range.