Nanofibrillar Stimulus‐Responsive Cholesteric Microgels with Catalytic Properties. Issue 45 (13th October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cho, Sangho; Li, Yunfeng; Seo, Minseok; Kumacheva, Eugenia
• Is Part Of: Angewandte Chemie international edition. Volume 55:Issue 45(2016)
• Page Start: 14014
• Page End: 14018
• Publication Date: 2016-10-13
• Subjects: cellulose nanocrystals -- cholesteric microgels -- microreactors -- nanoparticles -- responsive materials; Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540
• DOI: 10.1002/anie.201607406
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1433-7851

Abstract

Abstract: We report composite stimulus‐responsive cholesteric catalytically active microgels derived from filamentous supramolecular building blocks: cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs). The variation in the microgel dimensions and pitch in response to the change in ambient conditions was governed by the polymer component. The cholesteric morphology of the microgels resulted from the self‐organization of CNCs in spherical confinement. The microgels exhibited excellent structural integrity and functioned as microreactors in catalytic hydrolysis reactions and in the synthesis of metal nanoparticles. Because of these collective properties, the reported microgels show much promise for application in the design of functional responsive materials. Abstract : Step inside : Cholesteric microgels derived from cellulose nanocrystals and a hydrogel monomer changed their dimensions and pitch in response to changes in conditions as governed by the polymer component. The microgels served as microreactors for the hydrolysis of 4‐nitrophenyl acetate and the synthesis of metal nanoparticles (see picture).