Figure 4: Particles functionalization.
To functionalize our particles, we can either exploit the different chemical reactivity of PS and TPM or use one polymer as a sacrificial protective layer. In (a), we show Janus-like colloids that were fabricated in bulk by trapping and locking dye molecules into the PS phase via a two-step swelling and polymerization process. The picture shows an scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image of the particles on the left side and a fluorescence optical microscopy image of the same particles on the right side (bright field view in the insert). In (b), SEM images show the steps involved in the synthesis of colloids with a partially coated surface. First, gold nanoparticles are homogeneously adsorbed onto a composite particle, and then the one part of the particle is selectively dissolved to reveal an uncoated surface. Scale bars, 1 μm.
