Optically Active Janus Particles Constructed by Chiral Helical Polymers through Emulsion Polymerization Combined with Solvent Evaporation-Induced Phase Separation

Polymer Janus particles (PJPs) have been extensively investigated due to their intriguing features which cannot be achieved in traditional counterparts. Chiral polymer particles also have constituted a unique research area in polymer science. However, how to construct PJPs derived from chiral polymers, especially chiral helical polymers, still remains a significant academic challenge. This contribution reports the first success in preparing optically active PJPs constructed by chiral helical substituted polyacetylene via emulsion polymerization combined with solvent evaporation to induce phase separation. In emulsion polymerization systems, polymethyl methacrylate worked as a template and separated from polyacetylene domains in the course of acetylenic monomers' polymerization and evaporation of the solvent, by which optically active PJPs were formed. The major influencing factors were explored to elucidate their effects on the formation and morphology of PJPs. Mushroom- and bowl-like PJPs were obtained. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images ascertain nonspherical morphologies of the obtained PJPs. Circular dichroism and UV-vis absorption spectra demonstrate their optical activity, which originated in the predominantly one-handed helical polyacetylene chains constructing the PJPs. A formation mechanism was then proposed for understanding this unprecedented type of PJPs.