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Recycling and Reuse of a Sugar-Based Nonionic Surfactant Enabled by Redox-Switchable Precipitation-Dissolution
Shuyu Wang1, Hui Chen1, Zhenggang Cui1
1The Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Biological Colloids, School of Chemical and Material Engineering, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, P. R. China.
Small (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)
|May 28, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed a novel switchable selenium-containing surfactant that can be recycled and reused over 10 cycles. This intelligent nonionic surfactant offers a sustainable solution for reducing waste in chemical processes.
Area of Science:
- Green Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Surfactant Chemistry
Background:
- Environmental concerns and resource waste from surfactant discharge necessitate efficient recycling strategies.
- Developing recyclable and reusable surfactants is crucial for sustainable chemical practices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize a novel switchable Se-containing sugar-based nonionic surfactant.
- To demonstrate its reversible transformation and recyclability for green chemistry applications.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of N-dodecylselenosulfonylpropyl gluconamide (NDSeOPGA).
- Reversible transformation between ON (water-soluble) and OFF (insoluble) states using H2O2 and Na2SO3/N2H4.
- Demonstration of micelle, emulsion, and microemulsion formation and subsequent demulsification.
Main Results:
- NDSeOPGA exhibits switchable properties, enabling conventional surfactant behavior and facile demulsification.
- Over 95% recovery of the insoluble form (NDSePGA) via filtration at room temperature.
- Successful reuse of the surfactant for more than 10 cycles.
Conclusions:
- A new paradigm for recyclable and reusable intelligent nonionic surfactants is established.
- The developed surfactant has broad implications for green chemistry and sustainable industrial processes.
- Efficient recovery and reuse minimize environmental impact and resource waste.
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