An innovative method for preparation of nanometal hydroxide superabsorbent hydrogel

A novel method for preparation of a conducting nanometal hydroxide hydrogel was undertaken. In situ accommodation of metal hydroxide nanoparticles within swollen hydrogel networks is developed. Thus, poly(acrylic acid/acrylate) hydrogel (PAAc/AC) was prepared by simultaneous polymerization of acrylic acid/acrylate (AAc/AC). Electrodeposition hydroxide of nanoiron and nanocopper into (PAAc/AC) hydrogel was performed. Swelling behaviour and swelling kinetics of prepared hydrogel were evaluated in media having different pH values. The conductivity of both PAAc/AC/nanocopper hydroxide and PAAc/AC/nanoiron hydroxide were measured in comparison with that for PAAc/AC hydrogel. An amelioration in conductance of PAAc/AC hydrogel having 0.8 × 103 μS after being incorporated with nanocopper hydroxide and nanoiron hydroxide to be 1.5 × 103 μS and 2.6 × 103 μS, respectively has been achieved. Distribution of the metal hydroxide nanoparticles penetrated within the hydrogel networks using transmission electron microscopy has been thoroughly elucidated.