Incorporation of polyoxometalates into polystyrene latex by supramolecular encapsulation and miniemulsion polymerization

Submicrometer polystyrene (PS) latex doped with functional polyoxometalates (POMs) has been elaborated via two steps. The first step is the electrostatic encapsulation of POMs by polymerizable surfactants through the replacement of counterions, forming the supramolecular complexes which are organic compatible. And the second step is the incorporation of the complexes into PS latex chemically by miniemulsion polymerization. TEM images indicate that POMs are evenly dispersed in the hybrid latex, and spectral characterizations demonstrate that the properties of POMs are well retained, leading to the A functional features of polymer latex, such as luminescence and coloration. Furthermore, the supramolecular encapsulation and the hydrophobic latex matrix provide an effective protection to POMs, which greatly enhances their stability against the ambient acid or basic environment.