In situ metal particle preparation in cross-linked poly(2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propansulfonic acid) hydrogel networks

Anionic hydrogels of poly(2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propansulfonic acid) (p(AMPS)) were prepared with a different amount of cross-linker extent and used for in situ preparation of magnetic and metal particles. The metal particles with various sizes were obtained inside the three-dimensional polymer matrixes by absorption of the corresponding metal ions from their aqueous solutions followed by the reduction in the presence of strong reducing agent. In addition to iron particles, cobalt, nickel, copper nanoparticles, and CdS, quantum dot has been prepared by utilizing hydrogel matrix as a template for inorganic/organic composite synthesis. It was observed that the amount of cross-linkers (0.5%, 0.75%, and 1% with respect to monomer mole ratio) used in this study for bare p(AMPS) has not significantly influenced the morphology of the hydrogels or the size of the iron particles while having great effect on swelling of p(AMPS) hydrogels in water. Copolymeric hydrogels of AMPS with acrylamide in different composition were also prepared. Thermogravimetric analysis and transmission electron microscopy results showed that the AMPS content of the copolymeric hydrogel has great impact on both the metal ion loading capacity and the size of the resultant metal particles.