One-step preparation of hybrid materials of polyacrylamide networks and gold nanoparticles

Hybrid materials of polyacrylamide networks and gold nanoparticles were prepared by directly heating an aqueous solution containing HAuCl4, acrylamide, N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide, and sodium sulfite (Na2SO3). Acrylamide, N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide, and Na2SO3 were used as monomers, crosslinking agent, and initiator, respectively. In the process of polyacrylamide network synthesis, HAuCl4 was reduced by acrylamide and Na2SO3 into gold nanoparticles and adsorbed on the produced polyacrylamide networks. Transmission electron microscopy proved that the size of gold nanoparticles was in the range of 3-10 nm. Atomic force microscopy showed that the gold nanoparticles homogeneously dispersed into the polyacrylamide networks matrix. The hybrid materials as absorbents may be useful in healthcare, communication technology, building industry, chromatography, water purification, and agriculture.