Preparation of stimuli responsive microgel with silver nanoparticles for biosensing and catalytic reduction of water pollutants

Herein, we report poly(N-isopropylacrylamide/2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid) microgel fabricated with silver nanoparticles. The identification of copolymerization and functional groups in the bare microgel and those fabricated with silver nanoparticles was examined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The pH and temperature sensitivity of microgels was studied using dynamic light scattering. Thermogravimetric analysis was carried out to study the thermal stability. X-Ray diffraction patterns indicated the amorphous nature of bare microgel and crystalline nature of those containing silver nanoparticles. A bathochromic shift was found in the surface plasmon resonance of silver nanoparticles present in microgel with increase in pH of the medium. Moreover, the microgel containing silver nanoparticles served as an effective catalyst for reducing the toxic nitroaromatic pollutants and carcinogenic dyes. The microgel containing silver nanoparticles also showed good capability to serve as biosensor for the detection of hydrogen peroxide.