A Dual-Functional Zr-Ion Crosslinked PVA-Alginate Hydrogel with Embedded ZrMgFe-LDH for Enhanced Phosphate Recovery
Fengqin Tang1,2, Runwen Xiong1, Shiqi Zou1
1School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Tarim University, Alar 843300, China.
Gels (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 27, 2026
Summary
New Zr-LDHs-PS hydrogel microspheres efficiently capture phosphate from water. These microspheres also enable controlled phosphate release, offering a dual function for water remediation and resource recovery.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Excess phosphate in aquatic environments causes eutrophication, harming ecosystems and public health.
- Phosphate is essential for plant growth, making its recovery valuable.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate Zr-LDHs-PS hydrogel microspheres for efficient phosphate capture and controlled release.
- To address limitations of powdered adsorbents like aggregation and poor separability.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of Zr-LDHs-PS hydrogel microspheres via in situ cross-linking of ZrMgFe-LDHs with PVA and SA.
- Characterization using SEM, FT-IR, XPS, XRD, BET, TG, and zeta potential.
- Adsorption experiments to determine capacity, kinetics, and selectivity, followed by release studies.
Main Results:
- The microspheres demonstrated a maximum adsorption capacity of 51.313 mg/g.
- Adsorption followed pseudo-second-order kinetics and Freundlich isotherms, indicating heterogeneous, multilayer adsorption.
- High selectivity for phosphate was observed in the presence of competing anions, and gradual phosphate release was achieved.
Conclusions:
- Zr-LDHs-PS hydrogel microspheres are effective for phosphate removal and resource recovery from water.
- The dual functionality of capture and release shows potential for applications in water treatment and slow-release fertilizers.
