Synthesis of conjugated polymer nanoparticles in non-aqueous emulsions

A novel non-aqueous emulsion system, consisting of cyclohexane as the continuous and acetonitrile as the dispersed phase, is described. Stabilization of the system can I be achieved by using polyisoprene-block-poly(methyl methacrylate) copolymers as emulsifiers. The suitability of this system for performing water-sensitive, catalytic, and oxidative polymerizations and polycondensations is demonstrated by the synthesis of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene), poly (thiophene-3-yl-acetic acid), and polyacetylene. In all cases spherical nanoparticles with diameters as small as 23 nm can be obtained.