Synthesis, characterization and gold loading of polystyrene-poly(pyridyl methacrylate) core–shell latex systems

In this research, novel 3-(2-pyridyl)propyl methacrylate and 3-(3-pyridyloxy)propyl methacrylate monomers were synthesized and emulsion polymerized on colloidal polystyrene seeds, resulting in core–shell latex systems. The cores and the core–shell particles were characterized by static light scattering and scanning electron microscopy. Transmission electron microscopy was used to study the morphology of the core–shell particles. Monodisperse beads with a regular core–shell internal structure were found. The pyridine-functional shells were loaded with HAuCl4 and irradiated with UV light to reduce the salts to metallic gold. FTIR, UV–Vis, TEM and XPS were employed to monitor the metal loading and reduction processes. Core–shell systems, decorated with gold nanoparticles, were obtained.