One-dimensional copolymer nanostructures loaded with silver nanoparticles fabricated via metallogel template copolymerization and their pH dependent photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue

• Ag NPs loaded copolymer nanowires were fabricated using silver metallogel template.
• Silver ions act both as the template and as the nanoparticle growth substrate.
• The size and distribution of the formed Ag NPs could be controlled by reduction time.
• Ag NPs loaded copolymer nanowires can be used as photocatalysts of methylene blue.
• The photocatalytic activity is significantly dependent on pH values of MB solution.

spH responsive poly(N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide-co-acrylic acid) (P(MBA–AAc)) one-dimensional (1D) nanostructures and silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) loaded P(MBA–AAc) nanowires have been successfully synthesized via silver metallogel template copolymerization, and subsequently template removal or silver ions reduction, respectively. The Ag NPs with a diameter of 4–10 nm were exclusively dispersed throughout the P(MBA–AAc) nanowires. The size and distribution of the formed Ag NPs could be controlled by reduction time. The pH-responsive behaviors of P(MBA–AAc) 1D nanostructures at various molar ratios of MBA/AAc were investigated. Their adsorption and release of methylene blue (MB), as well as the photodegradation of MB catalyzed by Ag NPs loaded P(MBA–AAc) nanowires were all significantly dependent on the pH values of MB solution. The Ag NPs loaded P(MBA–AAc) nanowires could effectively catalyze the photodegradation of MB and the photodegradation rate of MB at pH 7 was almost four times than that at pH 2.2.

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