Redox-Responsive, Reconfigurable All-Liquid Constructs
Huilou Sun, Mingwei Li, Lianshun Li, Tan Liu, Yuzheng Luo, Thomas P. Russell, Shaowei Shi
Abstract
Using host-guest chemistries in a biphasic system, a novel supramolecular nanoparticle surfactant (s-NPS) with redox-responsiveness is presented to structure liquids. The in situ assembly/jamming and disassembly/unjamming of s-NPSs at the oil-water interface are reversibly controlled by a switchable redox process, imparting a nanoscale redox-responsiveness, affecting the assemblies on all length scales. "Smart" all-liquid constructs including structured emulsions and programmable liquid devices are easily prepared, showing promising applications in responsive delivery, release, and reaction systems.
Topics & Concepts
ChemistryRedoxSupramolecular chemistryNanotechnologyNanoparticlePulmonary surfactantChemical engineeringOrganic chemistryMoleculeMaterials scienceEngineeringBiochemistryPickering emulsions and particle stabilizationSurfactants and Colloidal SystemsSupramolecular Self-Assembly in Materials