Edge-modified amphiphilic Laponite nano-discs for stabilizing Pickering emulsions

We investigated the effect of amphiphilic Laponite nano-discs, which were edge-modified by hydrophobic chains, on the properties of Pickering emulsions and Pickering emulsions polymerization. Comparing to unmodified Laponites, these amphiphilic nano-discs can greatly reduce the surface tension, resulting in very stable Pickering emulsions. These particles uniquely combine the Pickering effect with amphiphilic properties similar to the surfactant . Taking advantage of these amphiphilic Pickering emulsifiers , miniemulsion polymerization of styrene was performed. Homogeneous polystyrene nanoparticles with size around 150   nm could thus be prepared.