Monodisperse Functional Colloidosomes with Tailored Nanoparticle Shells

We report the assembly of monodisperse colloidosomes containing a wide range of functional nanoparticles in the outer shell using a double emulsion templating method in a microfluidic device. By selecting nanoparticles of specific functionalities, hollow capsules with inert, magnetic, photocatalytic, and potentially biocompatible and piezoelectric shells are easily obtained. Proper control over the surface chemistry of the nanoparticles forming the shell and of the liquid interfaces involved is key to enable the assembly of colloidosomes using this double emulsification route.