Light-responsive Pickering emulsions based on azobenzene-modified particles
Kieran D. Richards, Rachel C. Evans
Abstract
photoisomerisation. For select emulsions, and for the first time, a reversible transition between emulsified water-in-oil droplets and demulsified water and oil phases is observed with the application of either UV or blue light, which can be repeatedly cycled. A combination of surface energy analysis and optical microscopy is shown to be useful in predicting the stability, and expected light-response, of a given emulsion. Using the observed trends, a set of design rules are presented which will help facilitate the rational design, and therefore, more widespread application of light-responsive Pickering emulsions.
Topics & Concepts
AzobenzenePickering emulsionRational designEmulsionMaterials scienceParticle (ecology)Chemical engineeringIrradiationNanotechnologyVisible spectrumNanoparticleOptoelectronicsComposite materialNuclear physicsPolymerPhysicsEngineeringGeologyOceanographyPickering emulsions and particle stabilizationMicro and Nano RoboticsSupramolecular Self-Assembly in Materials