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Chitosan hydrogels embedding hyper-crosslinked polymer particles as reusable broad-spectrum adsorbents for dye
Martina Salzano de Luna1, Rachele Castaldo2, Rosaria Altobelli3
1Department of Chemical, Materials and Production Engineering (INSTM Consortium - UdR Naples), University of Naples Federico II, P.le Tecchio 80, 80125 Naples, Italy; Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council of Italy, P.le E. Fermi 1, 80055, Portici, NA, Italy.
This study presents novel composite hydrogels made from chitosan and hyper-crosslinked polymer particles for efficient water pollutant removal. These broad-spectrum adsorbents effectively remove various dyes and are mechanically robust and reusable.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Environmental Science
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Water pollution by dyes and toxic ionic compounds is a significant environmental challenge.
- Efficient and systematic adsorbent preparation strategies are crucial for effective water remediation.
- Chitosan (CS) possesses dye adsorption capabilities, but its application can be limited by mechanical properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop composite chitosan-based hydrogels incorporating hyper-crosslinked polymer (HCP) particles.
- To create a broad-spectrum adsorbent with enhanced dye removal efficiency and mechanical stability.
- To investigate the synergistic adsorption effects between chitosan and HCP particles.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of composite hydrogels by embedding HCP particles within a chitosan matrix.
- Characterization of the hydrogel structure, mechanical properties, and pollutant adsorption performance.
- Testing the removal of anionic and cationic dyes (indigo carmine, rhodamine 6G, sunset yellow) from aqueous solutions.
Main Results:
- HCP particles were uniformly distributed and integrated into the chitosan matrix, enhancing mechanical properties.
- A synergistic adsorption effect between CS and HCP particles was observed, leading to efficient removal of both anionic and cationic dyes.
- The composite hydrogels demonstrated higher maximum dye uptake compared to other biosorbents and maintained performance after regeneration.
Conclusions:
- Composite chitosan-HCP hydrogels are effective broad-spectrum adsorbents for water pollutant removal.
- The developed hydrogels offer improved mechanical strength and reusability over multiple adsorption-desorption cycles.
- This strategy provides a promising approach for developing advanced materials for water treatment applications.
