Hairy hybrid microrattles of metal nanocore with functional polymer shell and brushes

Abstract

A synthesis route to hairy rattle-type hybrid microspheres consisting of a metal nanocore, a poly(methacrylic acid-co-divinylbenzene) (P(MAA-co-DVB)) shell, and functional polymer brushes clicked on the exterior surface, was described. Gold NPs of 18, 23, and 45 nm in diameter were synthesized via the standard sodium citrate reduction method. The XPS wide-scan and C 1s core-level spectra and the FT-IR absorption spectra of the microspheres before and after click reaction confirm the grafting of brushes on the core-double shell microspheres surface. Combined interior functionalization and exterior modification of the hollow polymer microspheres with a catalytic metal nanocore and functional polymer brushes provides a general approach for endowing the hollow polymer microspheres with unique morphology and functions.