Novel one-step route for synthesizing sub-micrometer PSt hollow spheres via redox interfacial-initiated method in inversed emulsion

Interfacial-initiated polymerization of styrene (St) was carried out in inversed emulsion with cumene hydroperoxide (CHPO) and ferrous sulfate (FeSO₄)/disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate (NaEDTA)/sodium formaldehyde sulfoxylate (SFS) as the redox initiation system. The water-soluble Fe²⁺-NaEDTA-SFS acted as the reducing component and the oil-soluble CHPO as the oxidant component of the redox initiation system. Therefore, the primary radicals were produced mainly at the oil/water interface to initiate the polymerization of St. Thus, sub-micrometer hollow polystyrene (PSt) spheres were obtained by one-stage polymerization, which was supported by the techniques of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM).