Inorganic Nanocomposite Hydrogels: Present Knowledge and Future Challenge

This chapter introduces and discusses the nanocomposite hydrogels, based on inorganic particles, including inorganic ceramics (clays), and nanofillers of carbon, silicon, metal, and metal oxide. Various nanoparticle preparation methods will be presented in brief. Depending on the inorganic particle types, assorted preparation methods for nanocomposite hydrogels, and their corresponding characterization methods will be assessed. Inorganic particles not only improve the mechanical strength of these soft materials (gels) but also confer specific properties into the gel networks; stimuli-responsive hydrogels are good examples. Nanocomposite hydrogels have been engineered to be used in various applications, including tissue engineering, drug delivery, water treatment, conductive materials, optoelectronic, and supercapacitors. Furthermore, stimuli-responsiveness feature, the ability of bio-fabrication, and the capability of 3D printing introduce them as potential candidates for the fabrication of smart materials with complicated structures.