Formation of hybrid micelles between poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(4-vinylpyridinium) cations and sulfate anions in an aqueous milieu.

Wu, Kai; Shi, Linqi; Zhang, Wangqing; An, Yingli; Zhu, Xiao-Xia; Zhang, Xu; Li, Zhanyong · Soft Matter · 2005

basic_science · Level V

Where this comes from

Abstract

The SO-induced micellization of poly(ethylene glycol)--poly(4-vinylpyridinium)(PEG-b-P(4-VPH)) in aqueous solution is studied by dynamic and static light scattering, and transmission electron microscopy. The SO anions can act as cross-linkers of the P(4-VPH) blocks through the electrostatic attraction between 4-VPH and SO to induce the micellization of PEG--P(4-VPH). The resultant hybrid micelles are spherical and consist of an ion-complex core of P(4-VPH)/SO and a water-soluble PEG corona and present a density gradient between the core and corona and the core has a higher density. The SO concentrations can affect the structure of the core-corona hybrid micelles. The low SO conentration leads to a loose core while the high SO concentration leads to a compact core.