Platelet Janus Particles with Hairy Polymer Shells for Multifunctional Materials

A novel approach is developed for the large-scale synthesis of Janus particles with platelet geometry and dense polymer shells by employing simultaneous "grafting from" of hydrophilic and hydrophobic polymers using surface-induced ATRP in emulsion. The method is based on the fabrication of an emulsion consisting of a water solution of a hydrophilic monomer and a solution of a hydrophobic monomer in an organic solvent, which is stabilized by initiator-modified kaolinite particles. Two polymers are grafted simultaneously on the opposite faces of the kaolinite particle during polymerization. The synthesized particles have a clear Janus character and are highly efficient for the stabilization of emulsions. Because of its simplicity, the method can readily be upscaled for the synthesis of large amounts of Janus particles, up to several grams.