Nanocomposites Made of Conducting Nanomaterials and Smart Hydrogels

Abstract

Smart hydrogels (e.g., Poly(N-isopropylacrylamides, pNIPAM) are synthesized by homo and copolymerization of functionalized acrylamides. The gels swell in aqueous solution and some of them (e.g., PNIPAM) also in organic solvents of low polarity. Nanocomposites can be made by dispersing nanoparticles (metallic, graphene, nanotubes, and conducting polymers) inside the gels. PNIPAM based nanocomposites show a LCST transition by thermal heating or absorption of electromagnetic radiation (light, microwaves, radiofrequency). The materials properties are used to make technological applications: sensors, actuators, controlled release, biological cell scaffolds and surfaces, antimicrobial, carriers of bioactive substances and matrixes to immobilize enzymes and yeast cells.