Water-in-Water Emulsions Stabilized by Nanoplates

Abstract

Ultrathin plate-like colloidal particles are effective candidates for Pickering stabilization of water-in-water emulsions, a stabilization that is complicated by the thickness and ultralow tension of the water-water interface. Plate-like particles have the advantage of blocking much of the interface while simultaneously having a low mass. Additionally, the amount of blocked interface is practically independent of the equilibrium contact angle theta at which the water-water interface contacts the nanoplates. As a result, the adsorption of nanoplates is stronger than for spheres with the same maximal cross section, except if theta = 90 degrees.