Durable gelfoams stabilized by compressible nanocomposite microgels

Although hydrogel microspheres (microgels) are useful as emulsion stabilizers, typical microgels cannot stabilize foams over a prolonged period of time. Here, we found that compressible nanocomposite microgels with solid nanoparticles can overcome undesired desorption of microgels from the air/water interface of bubbles, and form highly durable, microgel-surrounded foams (gelfoams). Compressible nanocomposite microgels can stabilize the air/water interfaces of gas bubbles for several months, which affords durable gelfoams.