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Synthesis of Stimuli-responsive Nanogels using Aqueous One-step Crosslinking and Co-nanopolymerization
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Dual-Responsive Photocatalytic Polymer Nanogels
Calum T J Ferguson1, Niklas Huber1, Katharina Landfester1
1Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128, Mainz, Germany.
Angewandte Chemie (International Ed. in English)
|May 9, 2019
Summary
Researchers developed dual-responsive polymer nanogels that can be switched on and off using temperature changes. These novel photocatalysts offer controlled activation and easy recovery for various chemical syntheses.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Photocatalysis
Background:
- Controlled activation of photocatalysts under constant light is challenging.
- External stimuli are needed for easy recovery and multi-responsive systems.
- Biological systems offer inspiration for multi-trigger responsiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop dual-responsive polymer photocatalysts.
- To mimic biological systems for controlled photocatalyst activation.
- To demonstrate the utility of the designed material in chemical synthesis.
Main Methods:
- Synthesized cross-linked poly-N-isopropylacrylamide nanogels copolymerized with a photocatalytic monomer.
- Investigated temperature-dependent changes in nanogel diameter and photocatalytic activity.
- Demonstrated photocatalytic formation of NAD+ and synthesis of fine chemicals.
Main Results:
- Dual-responsive polymer nanogels showed a significant decrease in diameter with increasing temperature.
- Temperature changes effectively shielded photocatalytic sites, modulating activity.
- Successful on/off switching of photocatalysis and synthesis of fine chemicals were achieved.
Conclusions:
- The designed dual-responsive polymer nanogels offer a promising solution for controlled photocatalyst activation.
- Temperature serves as an effective external stimulus for switching photocatalysis on and off.
- These materials demonstrate potential for applications in fine chemical synthesis.
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