Synthesis of anisotropic Janus composite particles based on polystyrene/urushiol- lanthanum chelate polymer

To expand the potential applications of raw lacquer, snowman-like polystyrene (PS)-urushiol lanthanum (ULa) Janus composite particles were synthesized by emulsion swelling-assisted protrusion from PS/ULa core-shell composite microspheres. The morphology and chemical composition of the PS/ULa composite microspheres and the PS-ULa Janus composite particles were investigated with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR). The PS-ULa Janus particles were compartmentalized into two parts, each with a different morphology and chemical composition. Results showed that the intact ULa shell with appropriate thickness is a crucial factor for controllable swelling, and the thickness of the PS/ULa core-shell composite microsphere could be controlled by polymerization temperature. This anisotropic Janus particle exhibits potential applications in orienting materials, such as directional catalysis.