Metallic Nanocatalysts Embedded within pH‐Responsive Polymeric Microgels and Deposition onto Solid Substrates

Abstract

Palladium (Pd) and ruthenium (Ru) catalytically active nanoparticles are synthesized using as templates pH-sensitive microgels based on poly(2-(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate), PDEAEMA, and poly(acrylic acid), PAA, respectively. The PDEAEMA and PAA microgel particles are prepared by emulsion copolymerization of a functional monomer with a cross-linker in the presence of a stabilizer in aqueous media. The incorporation of Pd and Ru nanoparticles within PDEAEMA and PAA is achieved using metal precursors that interact with the aminoor carboxyl-groups of PDEAEMA and PAA, respectively; the metal precursors are subsequently reduced within the microgel to produce the metal nanocatalysts. The attachment of the microgel particles onto glass substrate surfaces, which can potentially be used as the walls of microfluidic reactors, is studied by exploring the Pickering emulsion process. The attached particles are tested for stability and endurance when immersed in pure water for extended periods of time and when rinsed extensively with pure water.