One-pot synthesis of {Mo6 I8 }4+ -doped polystyrene microspheres via a free radical dispersion copolymerisation reaction:{Mo6 I8 }4+ -doped polystyrene microspheres via free radical copolymerisation

Abstract

Molybdenum octahedral clusters, when incorporated into an appropriate polymer matrix, are considered as promising agents for a range of biological applications. This work describes the one-pot synthesis, morphology and cellular toxicity of nano-sized polystyrene beads doped with luminescent cluster complexes [(Mo6X8)(NO3)6]2- (X=Cl, Br or I). Specifically, the particles were obtained by free radical dispersion copolymerisation of styrene and methacrylic acid or 4-vinylpyridine in the presence of the cluster complexes. The effects of the cluster loading in the reaction mixture on both the content of the final material and number-average molar mass of the copolymers were evaluated.