Self-oscillating nanogel particles

Nanogel particles composed of the cross-linked copolymer of N-isopropylacrylamide and ruthenium catalyst for the Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction were prepared by emulsion polymerization. In the aqueous solution containing the BZ substrates, self-oscillation of gel beads on the nanometer scale was achieved. By comparing the oscillating behaviors of the conventional BZ solution, the linear polymer solution, and the suspension of gel beads, the polymerization effect and the cross-linking effect were clarified. These self-oscillating gel beads have a potential for use in nanomachines as an oscillator.