Effect of geometrical confinement on structure and volume phase transition of stimuli-responsive microgels at interfaces

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The project focuses on stimuli-responsive hydrogels at interfaces. The hydrogel film consists either of a macrogel or of microgel particles adsorbed on a solid substrate. Firstly, the preparation of mono- and multilayers has to be controlled. The typical film thickness is between 50 and 1000 nm, depending on the particle diameter and the number of gel layers. We will study the effect of spatial confinement at the interface on the structure of such hydrogel films and their volume transition against an aqueous environment. In the planned work, mainly derivatives of Poly(N-isopropyl-acrylamide) (PNIPAM) and acrylic/methacrylic acid will be investigated, which are sensitive to the external temperature and pH, respectively. The studies will be carried out in dependence on the architecture and the charge density of hydrogel and substrate. Furthermore, we will connect stimuli-responsive properties with functions, like molecule/ion up-take and release and optical sensor characteristics. For this purpose nanocomposite systems of porous-material/hydrogel and metal/- hydrogel combinations will be applied.