Facile fabrication of Fe3O4@PS/PGMA magnetic Janus particles via organic–inorganic dual phase separation

Abstract

In this study, a facile strategy is developed to fabricate Fe₃O₄@polystyrene/poly (glycidyl methacrylate) (Fe₃O₄@PS/PGMA) magnetic Janus particles (MJPs) by solvent evaporation-induced organic–inorganic dual phase separation. The Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles (MNPs) are selectively dispersed on one side of the particles. The experimental factors on the morphology of Fe₃O₄@PS/PGMA MJPs, including the addition of MNPs, the ratios of polymer precursors, concentrations of surfactant and emulsification speed, are systematically investigated. The particle size, magnetic content, magnetic performance and morphology of prepared MJPs are determined by laser particle size analyzer, vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and microscope. Furthermore, the dual phase separation mechanism of the formation of Fe₃O₄@PS/PGMA magnetic Janus particles is also explored. Further, the method introduced here supports a simple, controlled procedure to prepare large amounts of magnetic Janus particles under mild conditions.