Characterisation of polyoxometalates rich micelles using small angle neutron scattering

In this proposal, we wish to characterise novel PolyIon Complex (PIC) micelles made using polyoxometalates (POM) as complexing agents. PIC micelles are obtained by complexation between a double-hydrophilic block copolymer and an oppositely charged complexing agent. DLS and SLS measurements evidence the formation of micelles at a pH of 5, where one block of the copolymer is positively charged while the POM are negatively charged. DLS/SLS results suggest the micelles might not be purely spherical. By using contrast matching techniques, we aim at describing the shape of the micelles but also their core-shell structure and the POM localisation. These micelles could be used as templating agent for the formation of functionalised mesoporous materials with catalytic or drug delivery properties.