self-assembly in solution; micelle; stimuli responsive micelle
Abstract :
[en] The morphology of micelles formed by two polystyrene-block-poly(2-vinylpyridine)- block-poly(ethylene oxide) (PS-b-P2VP-b-PEO) copolymers was studied in water by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy. Spherical micelles were observed that consist of a PS core, a P2VP shell and a PEO corona. The characteristic size of core, shell and corona depends on the copolymer composition. An important increase in micellar size occurs at pH < 5 as a result of P2VP block protonation. The reversibility of this pH effect depends on copolymer composition, too. The conformation of the PEO block plays an important role in this pH driven morphological transition.
Research Center/Unit :
Center for Education and Research on Macromolecules (CERM)
Disciplines :
Materials science & engineering Chemistry
Author, co-author :
Gohy, Jean-François; Université de Liège - ULiège > Department of Chemistry > Center for Education and Research on Macromolecules (CERM)
Willet, Nicolas ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Department of Chemistry > Center for Education and Research on Macromolecules (CERM)
Varshney, Sunil K; Polymer Source, Dorval, Canada
Zhang, Jian-Xin; Polymer Source, Dorval, Canada
Jérôme, Robert ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Department of Chemistry > Center for Education and Research on Macromolecules (CERM)
Language :
English
Title :
pH Dependence of the morphology of aqueous micelles formed by polystyrene-block-poly(2-vinylpyridine)-block-poly(ethylene oxide) copolymers
F.R.S.-FNRS - Fonds de la Recherche Scientifique ESF - European Science Foundation BELSPO - SPP Politique scientifique - Service Public Fédéral de Programmation Politique scientifique
