Synthesis of nano-bowls with a Janus template

Nanoscale. 2015 Jan 14;7(2):771-775. doi: 10.1039/c4nr05153j.

Abstract

Colloidal particles with two or more different surface properties (Janus particles) are of interest in catalysis, biological imaging, and drug delivery. Eccentric nanoparticles are a type of Janus particle consisting of a shell that envelops the majority of a core particle, leaving a portion of the core surface exposed. Previous work to synthesize eccentric nanoparticles from silica and polystyrene have only used microemulsion techniques. In contrast we report the sol-gel synthesis of eccentric Janus nanoparticles composed of a silica shell around a carboxylate-modified polystyrene core (Janus templates). In addition, we have synthesized nano-bowl-like structures after the removal of the polystyrene core by organic solvent. These Janus templates and nanobowls can be used as a versatile platform for site-specific functionalization or controlled theranostic delivery.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Carboxylic Acids / chemistry
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry
  • Nanostructures / chemistry*
  • Particle Size
  • Polystyrenes / chemistry
  • Silicon Dioxide / chemistry
  • Solvents / chemistry
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Carboxylic Acids
  • Polystyrenes
  • Solvents
  • Silicon Dioxide