Controlled Movement of Complex Double Emulsions via Interfacially Confined Magnetic Nanoparticles

Controlled, dynamic movement of materials through noncontacting forces provides interesting opportunities in systems design. Confinement of magnetic nanoparticles to the interfaces of double emulsions introduces exceptional control of double emulsion movement. We report the selective magnetic functionalization of emulsions by the in situ selective reactions of amine-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles and oil-soluble aldehydes at only one of the double emulsion’s interfaces. We demonstrate morphology-dependent macroscopic ferromagnetic behavior of emulsions induced by the interfacial confinement of the magnetic nanoparticles. The attraction and repulsion of the emulsions to applied magnetic fields results in controlled orientation changes and rotational movement. Furthermore, incorporation of liquid crystals into the double emulsions adds additional templating capabilities for precision assembly of magnetic nanoparticles, both along the interface and at point defects. Applying a magnetic field to liquid crystal complex emulsions can produce movement as well as reorganization of the director field in the droplets. The combination of interfacial chemistry and precise assembly of magnetic particles creates new systems with potentially useful field-responsive properties.