Gated Molecular Diffusion at Liquid–Liquid Interfaces
Lianshun Li, Huilou Sun, Mingwei Li, Yang Yang, Thomas P. Russell, Shaowei Shi
Abstract
The jamming of nanoparticle surfactants (NPSs) at liquid-liquid interface imparts attractive properties to the interfacial assemblies and enables the structuring of liquids. Herein, we report photoresponsive supramolecular microcapsules with jammed NPS assemblies at the oil-water interface, taking advantage of host-guest molecular recognition. The permeability of the colloidal membrane can be effectively manipulated by switching the NPSs from a jammed state to an unjammed state with a photo trigger, leading to a controlled molecular diffusion and release, affording a versatile platform for the construction of next generation smart microcapsule systems.
Topics & Concepts
Supramolecular chemistryMaterials scienceDiffusionColloidNanotechnologyMembraneNanoparticleChemical engineeringMoleculeChemistryOrganic chemistryEngineeringThermodynamicsPhysicsBiochemistryPickering emulsions and particle stabilizationSurfactants and Colloidal SystemsEnhanced Oil Recovery Techniques