A very convenient one-step synthesis to cross-linked polymeric nanoparticles by conventional radical copolymerization without the addition of stabilizers or surfactants was explored. Moreover, these nanoparticles exhibited excellent stability, activity and selectivity in the cycloaddition reaction of CO(2) to epoxides and could be separated from the products easily and reused.

A gel for all seasons: Thermosensitive nanogels based on highly cross-linked poly(ionic liquid)s (CLPNs) were prepared in one step by the copolymerization of imidazolium-based monomers with cross-linkers in selective solvents. Reversible nanogel-macrogel transitions of CLPNs in methanol could be achieved by changing the temperature.

A solar actuator is fabricated by incorporating sunlight-responsive azobenzene into agarose and the sunlight-induced motion is utilized for electricity generation.