Synthesis and size control of polystyrene nanoparticles via “liquid crystalline” nanoemulsion

We tried to produce polystyrene (PS) nanoparticles with a controlled mesoporosity by a new route of synthesis. Starting from internally self-organized emulsions containing a hexagonal or a micellar phase, we then polymerized the internal phase of the droplets containing styrene by UV. We managed to produce one type of polystyrene nanoparticles, from the partial polymerization of the micellar phase, down to a diameter of 60 nm. The final size of the solid nanoparticles is controlled by the size of the emulsion prior to polymerization and depends on the stabilizer content. Contrary to the preparation of microporous or mesoporous silicates, our procedure does not need further purification, removal of solvent or high temperature oxidation. We also present the reasons why we could not polymerize the hexagonal phase droplets at the moment.