Synthesis of dissymmetrical nanoparticles with a new hybrid silica template

An easy, novel route to prepare Janus nanoparticles and nano-bowls with tunable shapes has been developed. This approach uses a new kind of monodisperse vinyl-silica nanoparticles as templates to obtain large amounts of uniform Janus particles and nano-bowls (several grams). The efficient method adopts water-based hydrolysis-condensation and seed-emulsion polymerization. The uniform Janus nanoparticles and nano-bowls will display wide potential applications in many fields, such as: chemical sensors, construction of complex superstructures and nano-bioreactors.

Graphical abstractAn effective method has been developed using a new type of template for obtaining large amounts of uniform Janus particles and nano-bowls (several grams) with tunable shapes through seed-emulsion polymerization.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (55 K)Download as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights► A new type of template to synthesis eccentrical core–shell nanoparticles. ► Synthesis of uniform Janus nanoparticles with tunable shapes in large amounts. ► Different shapes of nanoparticles (from mushroom-like to bowl-like) can be obtained by hydrofluoric acid etch. ►The bowl-like nanoparticles’ inner and outer surfaces have distinct properties.