Ultrathin Janus nanodiscs

Abstract

Ultrathin Janus nanodiscs with single molecular scale thickness are fabricated by self-organized sol–gel process against a patchy magnetic microsphere. Functional groups onto the patch domains can induce a favourable absorption of an amine. The morphology of Janus nanodiscs is adjusted by controlling the patchy regions on the surface of paramagnetic Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ core/shell microspheres. The as-used patchy C₈–(Fe₃O₄@SiO₂)–PhCHO microspheres serving as templates can be easily separated from the as-formed Janus nanodiscs and reused to fabricate other Janus nanodiscs. Functional compositions such as paramagnetic Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles and polymers with different wettability properties are introduced onto the different regions of Janus nanodiscs to achieve magnetic Janus nanodiscs. They are used as efficient solid surfactants to stabilize emulsion.