Synthesis of starch nanoparticles in a novel microemulsion with two ILs substituting two phases

A novel ionic liquid microemulsion composed of 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium bis ((trifluoromethyl) sulfonyl) imide ([Omim]NTf2, an ionic liquid), water, surfactant 1-hexadecyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide ([C(16)mim]Br, an ionic liquid), and cosurfactant n-butyl alcohol was prepared in our study. Pseudoternary phase diagram, conductivity measurement, and dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis identified the microregion of microemulsion and confirmed the formation of water-in-ionic liquid (W/IL) region. Starch nanoparticles were prepared in the W/IL microemulsion with epichlorohydrin as cross-linker. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction characterized the structure of starch nanoparticles and demonstrated that cross-linking reaction happened among starch molecules. Scanning electron microscopy intuitively revealed that starch nanoparticles were spherical granules with smooth surface and fine dispersibility. Also, starch nanoparticles with a mean diameter of 93.2 nm and relatively concentrated size distribution were confirmed by DLS.