Stimuli‐Responsive Hybrid Microgels for a Sustainable Future: A Comprehensive Review of Classification, Synthesis, and Multifaceted Applications

ABSTRACT Recently, there has been an increase, in investigating novel materials to support renewable energy and tackle environmental issues due to the pressing demand, for sustainable solutions. Hybrid microgels possess unique characteristics that allow for tailoring to suit needs, in environmental applications and energy harvesting making them a highly promising group of materials. Microgel, nanogel, microsphere, and macrogel are the terms often used alternately to refer to a range of particles that vary significantly in their structure, physicochemical characteristics, manufacturing process and applications. Several investigations have been conducted to identify the distinct uses of the various gel types that are classified under nano/micro particle category. This review primarily focuses the discussion, around microgel particles that are colloidal in size, ability to alter its shape in response to external factors due to polymerization processes they undergo during production, and its classification, synthesis as well. A selected range of applications and the economic implications of expanding microgel production are discussed. Applications including enhanced oil recovery, biomaterials, and catalysis are covered, along with a brief description of the synthesis and characteristics of microgel particles. The advancements in hybrid microgels are now considered as an essential element in the creation of green technology, providing scalable and sustainable solutions for energy management, biomedical applications and environmental remediation.