Influence of network topology on the swelling of polyelectrolyte nanogels

Abstract

It is well-known that the swelling behavior of ionic nanogels depends on their cross-link density, however it is unclear how different topologies should affect the response of the polyelectrolyte network. Here we perform Monte Carlo simulations to obtain the equilibrium properties of ionic nanogels as a function of salt concentration $C_s$ and the fraction $f$ of ionizable groups in a polyelectrolyte network formed by cross-links of functionality $z$. Our results indicate that the network with cross-links of low connectivity result in nanogel particles with higher swelling ratios. We also confirm a de-swelling effect of salt on nanogel particles.

6 pages, 5 figures