Nanoparticle surface modification by amphiphilic polymers in aqueous media: Role of polar organic solvents

► Organic solvents serve dual role in controlling nanoparticle-amphiphile interactions. ► Below the critical displacer concentration (cdc) organic solvents act as displacers. ► Below cdc, organic solvents disfavor surface micelle formation. ► Good correlation exists between cdc and silica-organic solvent hydrogen bonding. ► Above cdc, no amphiphiles remain on nanoparticles and organic solvent acts as cosolvent.