Core-shell particles and hollow shells containing metallo-supramolecular components

Abstract

Core-shell particles consisting of a polystyrene (PS) latex colloidal core and Fe(II) metallo-supramolecular polyelectrolyte (Fe(II)-MEPE)/poly(styrenesulfonate) (PSS) multilayer shells were fabricated by the consecutive assembly of Fe(II)-MEPE and PSS on PS particles. The layers were deposited under conditions where the Fe(II)-MEPE and PSS are oppositely charged, thereby utilizing electrostatic attractions for multilayer buildup. Formation of Fe(II)-MEPE/PSS multilayers on weakly cross-linked melamine-formaldehyde (MF) particles, followed by MF particle decomposition and removal, resulted in hollow Fe(II)-MEPE/PSS shells. The Fe(II)-MEPE/PSS multilayer shell on the colloidal particles and t..