Hollow hybrid polymer-graphene oxide nanoparticles via Pickering miniemulsion polymerization

The preparation of hybrid hollow capsules consisting of a cross-linked polymer shell and a coating of graphene oxide (GO) is demonstrated. The capsules are prepared by Pickering miniemulsion polymerization, exploiting the surface activity of GO for its use as a colloidal surfactant. This approach represents a simple and convenient route towards hollow carbon nanostructures for a variety of applications. The incorporation of surface-modified TiO2 nanoparticles into the interior of these capsules was also demonstrated.