Phototriggered formation of Janus particles from core–shell particles

Abstract We report a novel method for fabricating Janus particles using photodegradable core–shell structures composed of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) cores and poly(di-n-butylsilane) (PDBS) shells. Upon ultraviolet irradiation (320 nm), the PDBS shell selectively decomposes, exposing the PMMA core and forming Janus-type particles. SEM and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses confirmed the formation of core–shell structures and successful photodegradation. This approach enables control over patch morphology, offering a versatile platform for designing colloidal architectures with tailored interparticle interactions.