New insights on the mechanism of PVP nanogels radiation synthesis

In this work, the H2O2 build-up for several system compositions and irradiation conditions was investigated, by using the Ghormley triiodide method. Interestingly, the application of the method has revealed the occurrence of two concurrent reactions, the expected one responsible for the I3 - production (by reaction with the H2O2 formed upon irradiation) and one that is responsible for I3 - consumption. Both the concentrations of I3 - -forming and I3 - -consuming species are dose-dependent and polymer concentration-dependent. The kinetic study of the two reactions and some further experiments carried out with model molecules will be described. We believe that the results of this study can offer new insights on the mechanism of nanogels formation.