Supramolecular Polymer Emulsifiers for One-step Complex Emulsions

摘要

Complex emulsions, such as double emulsions and high-internal-phase emulsions, have shown great applications in the fields of drug delivery, sensing, catalysis, oil-water separation and self-healing materials. Their controllable preparation is at the forefront of interface and material science. Surfactants and polymers have been widely used as emulsifiers for building complex emulsions. Yet some inherent disadvantages exist including multi-step emulsifications and low production efficiency. Alternatively, supramolecular polymer emulsifier for complex emulsions via one-step emulsification is rising as a new strategy due to the ease of preparation. In this feature article, we review our recent progresses in using supramolecular polymer emulsifiers for the preparation of complex emulsions. Double emulsions and high-internal-phase emulsions are successfully prepared via one-step emulsification with the help of different supramolecular interactions including electrostatic, hydrogen bond, coordination interaction and dynamic covalent bond, which will be particularly emphasized in detail. In the end, a comprehensive prospect is given for the future development of this field. This article is expected to provide new inspirations for preparing complex emulsions via supramolecular routes.