Autoxidation Induced Metal Nanoparticles Synthesis in Biobased Polymeric Systems: A Sustainable Approach in Hybrid Materials Development

Design and synthesis of organic-inorganic hybrid materials from biobased monomers/polymers have a tremendous impact on industry and the environment. Our earlier successful demonstration of in situ synthesis of metal nanoparticles using various forms of self-assembled organic soft materials such as molecular gels and liquid crystals proved to be an efficient approach in preparing hybrid materials. The present study shows the successful extension of previous strategies to generate metal nanoparticles (MNPs) in polymeric systems, another form of soft matter. We have synthesized a biobased polymer, poly(cardanyl acrylate) (PCA) from cardanol. Autoxidation (cross-linking) of PCA produced various free-radicals which were used as a tool to reduce metal salts to prepare and stabilize the gold and silver nanoparticles in situ. This sustainable approach enabled us to avoid external hazardous reducing and stabilizing agents.