A facile and efficient method has been developed for microencapsulation of metal oxide nanoparticles in polyurea via interfacial polymerization of toluene-2,4-diisocyanate and H20 through the atomizing emulsification approach. The resultant microcapsules were well-shaped and uniform sphere with diameter ranging from 2 to 6 um. Thermogravimetry （TG） and differential scanning calorimetry （DSC） curves revealed that the microcapsules showed good thermal stability （no decomposition observed under 245℃）. Besides, the microencapsulated TiC2 has been used as an efficient catalyst for photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange. Furthermore, the photocatalysis of immobilized TiC2 could be enhanced by introducing UV absorbing agent to the wall of microcapsules.
Polyurea microcapsules containing NiCl2 were prepared by interracial polymerization between diisocyanate and water with triethylamine as a catalyst in water-in-oil emulsion system. The influence of preparation conditions such as the dosage and feed mode of the catalyst, concentration of the encapsulated NiCl2, and concentration and structure of diisocyanates on the breakage of the microcapsules have been evaluated. The results show thatbreakage is strongly dependent on the rate of polymerization and stability of initial emulsion. The improved microcapsules with low breakage have been produced under the optimum conditions. Furthermore, the obtained microcapsules capsules immobilizing NiCl2 as a recyclable catalyst is successfully used in benzaldehyde reduction.
