Welsch, N.; Ballauff, M.; Lu Y. : Microgels as nanoreactors: applications in catalysis. Advances in Polymer Science 234 (2010), p. 129-163
10.1007/12_2010_71
Abstract:
We review recent work on the use of “smart” microgel particles as “nanoreactors” for the immobilization of metal nanoparticles as well as enzymes. A general feature of microgel systems under consideration here is their ability to react to external stimuli as e.g. the pH or the temperature in the system. Special emphasis is laid on our recent research work on the thermosensitive core-shell microgel particles, which are composed of a polystyrene core and a cross-linked poly(Nisopropylacrylamide) (PNIPA) shell. Work done on these core-shell systems is compared to developments on the investigations of similar systems. Recently, it has been shown that these core-shell microgels can be used as “nanoreactors” for the immobilization of metal nanoparticles. The metal nano-composite particles exhibit a “smart” catalytic behaviour, inasmuch as the catalytic activity of nanoparticles can be modulated through the volume transition that takes place within the thermosensitive shell of the carrier system. Moreover, microgel particles can work as efficient carrier systems for the immobilization of enzymes. The dependence of the enzymatic activity on temperature can be also manipulated by the temperature-dependent swelling behaviour of the microgel. Thus, the microgel particles present an excellent “active” carrier system for applications in catalysis.