Dynamic double emulsions are powerful sensing materials for aqueous applications, translating chemical responses to observable morphological changes. Engineering surfactants to respond to analytes can involve extensive post-functionalization after emulsification. Post-functionalization is time intensive and the extent of functionalization is difficult to characterize. In this presentation, we report the use of click chemistry to generate surfactants in situ. Via this method, both the surfactants and double emulsions are produced instantaneously, bypassing post-functionalization. Initial efforts focused on imine generation, by the interfacial reaction between amine functionalized reagents in continuous aqueous phase and aldehydes in one of the organic phases. During emulsification, the imine surfactant was synthesized in situ in under 10 seconds, yielding stable double emulsions. Our results provide a step towards efficiently synthesizing complex surfactants for the use in sensing applications.

Dynamic double emulsions generated via in situ surfactant synthesis

256th National Meeting (2018)

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