Scalable synthesis of TiO2–Ag Janus composite particles

Janus particles possess heterogeneous surface chemistries which can potentially enhance their interfacial activity and be exploited as useful catalysis agent. It is challenging to control the geometry of the Janus particles and to produce Janus particles in large quantities. In this report, we use a general approach of emulsion swelling assisted protrusion to synthesize the Janus composite particles of titania – poly (vinylbenzyl chloride-divinylbenzene) (TiO2-poly (VBC–DVB)). The size of the lobe of poly (VBC–DVB) is tunable. After a series of reactions, including Kornblum oxidation reaction and Tollens’ reaction, the target product of TiO2–Ag Janus composite particles is obtained.