Hybrid micelle formation from poly(ethylene oxide-b-sodium 2-acrylamido-1-propanesulfonate-b-styrene) and Fe3+ ion in aqueous solution

Organic-inorganic nanohybrid particles are prepared in aqueous solution from poly(ethylene oxide-b-sodium 2-acrylamido-1-propanesulfonate-b-styrene) (PEO-b-PAMPS-b-PS) triblock copolymer and ferric ions. The hybrid micelles were characterized by dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and zeta-potential measurements. The hydrodynamic diameter of the hybrid micelles ranges from 68 to 118 nm depending on the concentration of the polymer and the amount of ferric ions loaded on the polymer. Zeta-potential measurements revealed that the micelles are assembled mainly by electrostatic interaction between the ferric ions and the negatively charged PAMPS block in the PEO-b-PAMPS-b-PS.