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Synthesis of Polyampholyte Janus‐like Microgels by Coacervation of Reactive Precursors in Precipitation Polymerization
Author(s) -
Xu Wenjing,
Rudov Andrey,
Oppermann Alex,
Wypysek Sarah,
Kather Michael,
Schroeder Ricarda,
Richtering Walter,
Potemkin Igor I.,
Wöll Dominik,
Pich Andrij
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
angewandte chemie
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1521-3757
pISSN - 0044-8249
DOI - 10.1002/ange.201910450
Subject(s) - coacervate , janus , polyelectrolyte , janus particles , polymerization , colloid , precipitation , chemistry , aqueous solution , chemical engineering , nanotechnology , precipitation polymerization , polymer chemistry , materials science , radical polymerization , polymer , organic chemistry , chromatography , physics , meteorology , engineering
Controlling the distribution of ionizable groups of opposite charge in microgels is an extremely challenging task, which could open new pathways to design a new generation of stimuli‐responsive colloids. Herein, we report a straightforward approach for the synthesis of polyampholyte Janus‐like microgels, where ionizable groups of opposite charge are located on different sides of the colloidal network. This synthesis approach is based on the controlled self‐assembly of growing polyelectrolyte microgel precursors during the precipitation polymerization process. We confirmed the morphology of polyampholyte Janus‐like microgels and demonstrate that they are capable of responding quickly to changes in both pH and temperature in aqueous solutions.