Synthesis of Polymer Nanoparticles in the Presence of Diatoms as Sustainable Bio-Templates

摘要

Preparation of complex nano- and micron-sized non-spherical particulate geometries still remains a challenge. One potential approach is the utilization of natural templates with diverse shapes. In this report, the siliceous diatoms were served as bio-templates for the preparation of organic/inorganic composite particles through shell suspension polymerization of methyl methacrylate as a model monomer. This led to an efficient encapsulation and entrapment of poly(methyl methacrylate) nanoparticles inside the diatoms. Such a simple approach has a great potential for the synthesis and encapsulation of other types of nanoparticles (e.g., metallic and inorganic) as well.