Synthesis of a graphene oxide–polyacrylic acid nanocomposite hydrogel and its swelling and electroresponsive properties

In this study, an “intelligent” graphene oxide–polyacrylic acid (GO–PAA) nanocomposite hydrogel was synthesized using a simple PAA cross-linking reaction. The incorporation of the GO phase into the PAA hydrogel was verified using Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy and ultraviolet-vis spectroscopy. The mechanical, swelling and electroresponsive properties of the GO–PAA nanocomposite hydrogel were studied. The results showed that the addition of a small quantity of GO (3 wt%) did not obviously decrease the transmittance of the pristine PAA hydrogel. After adding GO, both the compressive strength and the water absorbing capacity of the GO–PAA nanocomposite hydrogel were enhanced as expected. Furthermore, the GO–PAA hydrogel displayed a much higher electroresponsive rate compared with the PAA hydrogel, especially under stronger electrical fields. The facile and efficient preparation of the GO–PAA composite hydrogel means it will have potential applications as a smart and super absorbent composite.