Synthesis and characterization of chitosan–poly(acrylamide–co-acrylic acid) magnetic nanocomposite hydrogels for use in catalysis

Abstract

A novel hydrogel based on chitosan–poly(acrylamide-co-acrylic acid) (CAA) with different formulations were synthesized by the effect of gamma radiation. The magnetic CAA hydrogels were also synthesized and characterized by using different techniques, e.g., TEM and XRD. The prepared hydrogels and magnetic hydrogel nanocomposite were utilized for in situ cobalt nanoparticle preparation and employed as a reaction media in catalytic reduction of 2-nitrophenol (2-NP), to 2-aminophenol (2-AP). The experimental parameters that affect the reduction rates such as temperature and amount of catalyst were also, investigated.