Fabrication of Microgel@<scp>TiO₂</scp>/<scp>ZnO NPs</scp> for Efficient Degradation of Methylene Blue Under Solar Light

ABSTRACT Developing a narrow bandgap nanocomposite photocatalyst capable of degrading pollutants under visible light is a challenging task. This report presents the design of microgel‐based nanocomposites through free‐radical emulsion polymerization, achieved by adjusting the concentration of the N‐hydroxymethyl acrylamide (NHMA) monomer as a crosslinker. Distinct three grades of microgel (MNP) were prepared by altering the quantity of NHMA. Titanium/Zinc oxide nanoparticles (TiO 2 /ZnO NPs) were effectively integrated into the microgels of polymers using the hydrothermal method for application in catalytic degradation. The characterization of synthesized samples has been performed utilizing a range of methods, viz. dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), powder X‐ray diffraction (Powder XRD), energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The effective integration of microgel with TiO 2 /ZnO nanoparticles enhances the photocatalytic performance at different temperatures, as the microgel offers an extensive surface area for pollutant adsorption. The microgel‐nanocomposite (MNP@TiO 2 /ZnO NCs) has been successfully reused for the photodegradation of dyes, owing to the recyclability of microgels. This research provides valuable insights toward developing a noteworthy visible‐light‐driven photocatalyst aimed at environmental remediation.