Controlled generation of ultrathin-shell double emulsions and studies on their stability

Abstract

Double emulsions with a hierarchical core–shell structure have great potential in various applications, but their broad use is limited by their instability. To improve stability, water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) emulsions with an ultrathin oil layer of several hundred nanometres were produced by using a microcapillary device. The effects of various parameters on the generation of ultrathin-shell double emulsions and their droplet size were investigated, including the proper combinations of inner, middle and outer phases, flow rates and surfactants. The surfactant in the middle oil phase was found to be critical for the formation of the ultrathin-shell double emulsions. Furthermore, the stability of these double emulsions can be notably improved by increasing the concentration of the surfactant, and they can be stable for months. This opens up new opportunities for their future applications in cosmetics, foods and pharmaceuticals.