Colloidal size control via micellar absorption

Abstract

Colloids are progressively expanding our technological ability to create new materials. However, there are substantial challenges in creating customized colloids that exhibit specific structural features, programmable binding, and stimulus responsiveness. Here, we explore an advantageous approach to achieve structural control over colloidal size by leveraging the absorption of polymeric micelles through fine thermal modulation. Polymeric micelles are used to swell the interstices of oligomeric colloidal droplets with the accuracy provided by the well-defined polymer micellization transition. Temperature and polymer concentration become the sole parameters governing not only the structure of colloids but also their interactions with the environment. Relevant colloidal phenomena like emulsion packing and droplet polymerization can be continuously tuned to any practical value, given the broad range of colloidal stability. The controlled absorption of polymeric micelles in bulk offers new opportunities to direct the transport of molecules for applications in physical and life sciences.