Complex High Internal-Phase Emulsions that can Form Interfacial Films with Tuneable Morphologies

TL;DR

This paper introduces a versatile method to create complex high internal-phase emulsions (HIPEs) with tunable interfacial films, enabling new morphologies and behaviors for advanced material applications.

Contribution

The study presents the first realization of double and Janus HIPEs with complex patterns and demonstrates a route to form tunable interfacial films at liquid interfaces.

Findings

First creation of double and Janus HIPEs with anisotropic patterns

Interfacial films with adjustable thickness and morphology

HIPEs exhibit non-Newtonian pseudoplastic flow behavior

Abstract

High internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) are considered as an important functional material and have been the focus of intense development effort, but it has not been possible to alter their fundamental attributes at either the microcosmic or macroscopic level, which severely limits their practical applications in various areas. In this work, we report a general strategy for creating complex HIPEs and we additionally show a route to forming HIPE films at liquid interfaces. Double HIPEs and Janus HIPEs are both realized for the first time. They feature complex microscopic patterns with a short-range anisotropy, and exhibit non-Newtonian pseudoplastic flow behavior. By taking advantage of their response to a high-pH subphase, interfacial films can be successfully obtained, which are tunable in thickness and morphologies under compression.