Application of Stimuli-Responsive Polymer in Catalyst Systems of Gold Nanoparticles

Stimuli-responsive polymer has attracted much attention in recent years. This kind of polymer can respond to external stimuli and switch their properties. Gold nanoparticles have excellent catalytic properties which means a bright application prospect. However, gold nanoparticles are easy to aggregate in the application, and it will result in a remarkable decrease of catalytic property. So different carriers are usually required to immobilize gold nanoparticles. The introduction of the stimuli-responsive polymer into the catalyst systems of gold nanoparticles is a way to prevent the aggregation similar to other normal carriers, and at the same time a fascinating approach to controllable catalyst. This paper reviews recent research progress on this kind of catalyst systems, followed by the discussion of their fabrication, sensitivity and applications. Moreover, the development potential of this field is also discussed.