Self-assembly of mono- and poly-dispersed nanoparticles on emulsion droplets: antagonistic vs. synergistic effects as a function of particle size

Abstract

In this work, using Dissipative Particle Dynamics simulations, we provide fundamental insights into the self-assembly of nanoparticles (NPs) on droplet surfaces in an oil-in-water emulsion. We highlight the effect of...

Computational design of armored nanodroplets as nanocarriers for encapsulation and release under flow conditions

“…We measure D S ∼ 4.7 ± 3.1 × 10 −7 cm 2 s −1 and D L ∼ 1.8 ± 0.7 × 10 −7 cm 2 s −1 , for small and large NPs, respectively. In particular, large NPs are less diffusive than smaller ones, in qualitative agreement with simulations [33] and experimental observations [34].…”

“…S1b, are in qualitative agreement, within the standard errors, with experimental observations [30]. From the error bars measured, we observe that the small NPs are more sensitive to thermal fluctuations at the interface compared to the large ones, characteristic of the increase of the adsorption energy with the particle radius [31][32][33].…”

“…S1b in the SI), in qualitative agreement with simulations [13,28,29] and experimental observations [30]. From the error bars estimated, it is observed that the small NPs are more sensitive to thermal fluctuations at the interface compared to the large ones, characteristic of the increase of the adsorption energy with the particle radius [31][32][33]. We also measure the decrease of the interfacial tension, ∆γ S and ∆γ L , for small and large NPs at planar interfaces for similar NP surface coverage (see Methods).…”

“…We obtain ∆γ S = γ 0 − γ S ∼ 5.1 mN.m −1 and ∆γ B = γ 0 − γ B ∼ 2.2 mN.m −1 , with γ 0 ∼ 51.7 mN.m −1 the interfacial tension for a planar decane/water interface [23,29], and γ S,B the interfacial tension when the interface is covered with small or large NPs, respectively. In particular, large NPs have less effect on the reduction of the interfacial tension and are less diffusive than smaller ones, in qualitative agreement with simulations [33] and experimental observations [34]. A lower mobility along with the size of the NPs, will play a key role in the pocket formation.…”

Armored Droplets as Soft Nanocarriers for Encapsulation and Release under Flow Conditions

“… 57 From the error bars estimated, it is observed that the small NPs are more sensitive to thermal fluctuations at the interface compared to the large ones, characteristic of the increase of the adsorption energy with the particle radius. 58 − 60 We also measure the decrease of the interfacial tension, Δγ S and Δγ L , for small and large NPs at planar interfaces for similar NP surface coverage (see Methods ). We obtain Δγ S = γ 0 – γ S ≈ 5.1 mN·m –1 and Δγ L = γ 0 – γ L ≈ 2.2 mN·m –1 , with γ 0 ≈ 51.7 mN·m –1 being the interfacial tension for a planar decane/water interface, 46 , 56 and γ S , L the interfacial tension when the interface is covered with small or large NPs, respectively.…”