Synthesis and characterization of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)/graphene oxide nanocomposite hydrogels by using glow discharge electrolysis plasma

A novel poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM)-based hydrogel with incorporation of graphene oxide (GO) was successfully prepared by glow discharge electrolysis plasma (GDEP). The structure and morphology of the PNIPAM/GO nanocomposite hydrogels were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), as well as by determination of swelling, mechanical property, phase transformation behaviors, and photo-thermal conversion performance. The results revealed that the phase transition temperatures of all the nanocomposite hydrogels were approximately 33°C and the hydrogel (PG-2), under discharge voltage 600 V, had faster change of swelling ratios for distilled water, more sensitive to pH, and better photo-thermal property than other nanocomposite hydrogels. In addition, shrinkage of the network hydrogels and enhancement of the compressive strength and Young’s modulus took place at higher discharge voltage. This work provided a new pathway for preparation of PNIPAM/GO nanocomposite hydrogels, with environmental friendliness and excellent photo-thermal property, which may allow their use in the intelligence remote controlled area.