Hollow Carbon Nanobubbles: Synthesis, Chemical Functionalization, and Container‐Type Behavior in Water. Issue 30 (13th June 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hofer, Corinne J.; Grass, Robert N.; Zeltner, Martin; Mora, Carlos A.; Krumeich, Frank; Stark, Wendelin J.
• Is Part Of: Angewandte Chemie international edition. Volume 55:Issue 30(2016)
• Page Start: 8761
• Page End: 8765
• Publication Date: 2016-06-13
• Subjects: capsules -- graphene -- hydrophobic interactions -- hysteresis -- nanostructures; Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540
• DOI: 10.1002/anie.201602745
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1433-7851

Abstract

Abstract: Thin‐walled, hollow carbon nanospheres with a hydrophobic interior and good water dispersability can be synthesized in two steps: First, metal nanoparticles, coated with a few layers of graphene‐like carbon, are selectively modified on the outside with a covalently attached hydrophilic polymer. Second, the metal core is removed at elevated temperature treatment with acid, leaving a well‐defined carbon‐based hydrophobic cavity. Loading experiments with the dye rhodamine B and doxorubicin confirmed the filling and release of a cargo and adjustment of a dynamic equilibrium (cargo‐loaded versus release). Rhodamine B preferably accumulates in the interior of the bubbles. Filled nanobubbles allowed constant dye release into pure water. Studies of the concentration‐dependent loading and release show an unusual hysteresis. Abstract : Hollow carbon nanobubbles : Water‐dispersible, carbon‐based nanobubbles, synthesized by metal templating, spontaneously take up cargo by hydrophobic interactions. The slow release of the cargo follows an unexpected out‐of‐equilibrium (hysteretic) behavior.