Hybrid Microgels for Catalytic and Photocatalytic Removal of Nitroarenes and Organic Dyes From Aqueous Medium: A Review

Abstract

Polymer microgels loaded with inorganic nanoparticles have gained much attention as catalytic systems for reduction of toxic chemicals. Enhanced catalytic properties of hybrid microgels are related to the stimuli responsive nature of microgels and extraordinary stability of nanoparticles within network of polymer microgels. Catalytic properties of hybrid microgels can be tuned very easily by slight variation in environmental conditions. Herein we have reviewed catalytic reduction of toxic chemicals such as nitroarenes and organic dyes in the presence of appropriate hybrid microgel catalytic systems under different operating conditions of reaction. Recent advancements in catalytic behavior of hybrid microgels with special emphasis on their ability to catalytically degrade various toxic chemicals has been presented in this review.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• Catalytic degradation
• hybrid microgels
• nano-catalysis
• toxic chemicals

Disclosure statement

There are no conflicts of interest to declare.

Additional information

Funding

Authors are grateful to Higher Education Commission Pakistan for financial supports under National Research Program for Universities [No.20-3995/NRPU/R&D/HEC/14/1212] and University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan under research Grant No:/999/EST.I for the fiscal year of 2017-2018. Ahmad Irfan extends his appreciation to the Deanship of Scientific Research at King Khalid University for funding through research groups program under grant number R.G.P.2/15/40.