Single-step synthesis of shaped polymeric particles using initiated chemical vapor deposition in liquid crystals.

ABSTRACT: We elucidate a previously unknown synthesis pathway that leads to polymeric nanospheres, orientation-controlled microgels, or microspheroids via single-step polymerization of divinylbenzene (DVB) using initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD) in liquid crystals (LC). iCVD supplies vapor-phase reactants continuously, avoiding the critical limitation of reactant-induced disruption of LC structure that has plagued past LC-templated polymerization processes. LC is leveraged as a real-time display of the polymerization conditions and particle emergence, captured using an in situ long-focal range microscope. Detailed image analysis unravels key LC-guided mechanisms during polymerization. pDVB forms nanospheres due to poor solubilization by nematic LC. The nanospheres partition to the LC-solid

SUBMITTER: Jain A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11540036 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature