Design of multicomponent microgels by selective deposition of nanomaterials

In the present paper a method for the targeted deposition of different nanomaterials on aqueous microgels is described. In the first stage poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) nanorods are introduced into the microgel structure by in situ oxidative polymerization. In the second stage hydrogen tetrachloroaurate is used to transform PEDOT chains to an oxidized state in the microgel structure, leading to the fixation of chloroaurate anions on the surface of the PEDOT nanorods. The reduction of chloroaurate ions induces the formation of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) predominantly located on the PEDOT surface. Obtained microgel/PEDOT/AuNP hybrid particles with different nanoparticle loadings exhibit superior colloidal stability and temperature sensitivity. The microgel/PEDOT/AuNP hybrid microgels exhibit extraordinary catalytic activity in aqueous media.