Complete life of cobalt nanoparticles loaded into cross-linked organic polymers: a review

The unique combination of cobalt (Co) nanoparticles (NPs) and smart polymer microgels is of great interest and has received much attention over the past decade with respect to the production of hydrogen gas and its use in removing toxic dyes from water. The responsive behavior of microgels makes cobalt nanoparticle-loaded microgels most suitable for the production of hydrogen and for the reduction of pollutants in different environments. Different classes of Co NPs in microgels have been reported in the literature. Hybrid microgel formations play an important role in their use. Hence, a specific assembly of Co NPs in microgels has been designed for the synthesis and use of hydrogen to reduce toxic pollutants from water. All progress in the synthesis, classification, characterization, and applications of Co NPs in microgels has been reviewed in this report. Catalytic generation and the use of hydrogen for the reduction of pollutants in the presence of Co NPs loaded into microgels have been discussed in a tutorial manner.