Microgels based on 0D-3D carbon materials: Synthetic techniques, properties, applications, and challenges

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Colloid Chemistry

Background:

• Microgels are versatile 3D colloidal hydrogel particles with tunable sizes, biocompatibility, and mechanical properties.
• Carbon-based materials (CMs) offer large surface areas, conductivity, stability, and low cost, making them suitable for microgel integration.
• Integrating CMs into microgels enhances their functionality for advanced applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically review the characteristics of carbon-based materials (CMs) used in microgel fabrication.
• To summarize the state-of-the-art applications of CM-microgels.
• To discuss preparation techniques, challenges, and future development strategies for CM-microgels.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of carbon-based microgel research.
• Analysis of CM properties relevant to microgel design.
• Summary of applications and preparation methods.

Main Results:

• CM-microgels exhibit enhanced properties for pollutant adsorption, photodegradation, H2 evolution, CO2 capture, soil conditioning, water retention, drug delivery, cell encapsulation, and tissue engineering.
• Various advanced preparation techniques for CM-microgel systems are discussed.
• Key challenges, particularly low colloidal stability, and potential solutions are identified.

Conclusions:

• CM-microgels possess significant potential for widespread practical applications due to their combined properties.
• Further research into colloidal stability is crucial for maximizing their utility.
• This review highlights the promising future of CM-microgels in diverse scientific and technological fields.