Pickering emulsion polymerization of graphene oxide-stabilized styrene

Polystyrene (PS) particles were prepared via Pickering emulsion polymerization using graphene oxide (GO) as the stabilizer. The results show that pH is an important factor in the stability of Pickering emulsions. The effects of two different phase initiators, the water phase initiator potassium persulfate and the oil phase initiator azobisisobutyronitrile, on the morphology of PS particles in Pickering emulsion polymerization had been investigated in detail. Wrinkled particles were prepared using the water phase initiator, and spherical particles were prepared using the oil phase initiator. In addition, hexadecane was used as the auxiliary stabilizer in the polymerization, which narrowed the diameter distribution of the PS spheres, and the hollow PS spheres were fabricated. The size of the GO particles also influenced the final morphology of the particles. Nano-sized polymer particles were grafted onto the surface of micro-sized GO. Small GO particles were suitable for Pickering emulsion polymerization to prepare the composite particles. The thermogravimetric analysis of the prepared particles confirmed that they were PS/GO composite particles, which could have a wide range of potential applications, such as in catalysts, sensors, environmental remediation, and energy storage.