1
|
Pradyasti A, Lee MJ, Kim HJ, Kim MH. Carboxymethyl cellulose/alginate/chitosan-based polyelectrolyte complex hydrogel with irregularly shaped multi-metallic nanowires for efficient continuous-flow Cr(VI) remediation. Int J Biol Macromol 2025; 309:142863. [PMID: 40188915 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.142863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2025] [Revised: 03/28/2025] [Accepted: 04/03/2025] [Indexed: 05/10/2025]
Abstract
The efficient removal of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) from industrial wastewater is a pressing environmental challenge. A natural polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) hydrogel composed of carboxymethyl cellulose, alginate and chitosan, was developed to support Pd/Au/Ag/Pt nanowires for the continuous-flow catalytic reduction of Cr(VI) to the less toxic Cr(III). PEC hydrogels are formed through the association of oppositely charged polyelectrolytes, a process that is primarily driven by entropy gain due to the release of counterions, resulting in highly porous networks with tunable physical and chemical properties. These characteristics make them ideal platforms for nanoparticle stabilization and catalytic applications. Crosslinking with glutaraldehyde, citric acid and calcium ions further improved the stability and porosity of the hydrogels. Pd/Au/Ag/Pt nanowires, synthesised through galvanic replacement and co-reduction of Pd/Au/Ag nanowires formed via an oriented attachment mechanism, exhibit a distinctive, irregular, undulating morphology that enhances their suitability for introduction into hydrogel matrices. These multi-metallic nanowires achieved complete Cr(VI) reduction within 15 min. When incorporated into a nanocomposite hydrogel, the Pd/Au/Ag/Pt nanowires significantly enhanced catalytic activity while maintaining structural integrity and high catalytic efficiency. Notably, the system achieved complete Cr(VI) reduction within 5 h of continuous-flow operation, highlighting its potential as a robust and scalable solution for industrial wastewater remediation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Astrini Pradyasti
- Department of Polymer Engineering, Pukyong National University, 45 Yongso-ro, Nam-gu, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea
| | - Myeong Joo Lee
- Department of Polymer Engineering, Pukyong National University, 45 Yongso-ro, Nam-gu, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeon Jeong Kim
- Department of Polymer Engineering, Pukyong National University, 45 Yongso-ro, Nam-gu, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea
| | - Mun Ho Kim
- Department of Polymer Engineering, Pukyong National University, 45 Yongso-ro, Nam-gu, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Li J, Li L, Brink HA, Allegri G, Lindhoud S. Polyelectrolyte complex-based materials for separations: progress, challenges and opportunities. MATERIALS HORIZONS 2025. [PMID: 40237352 DOI: 10.1039/d4mh01840k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/18/2025]
Abstract
Polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) based materials could provide a sustainable alternative to conventional materials, especially for separation applications. However, reproducible production remains a challenge due to the many parameters influencing the polyelectrolyte complexation process, eventually affecting the properties and performance of the final material. Here, we provide an overview of how different parameters affect polyelectrolyte complexation and discuss promising PEC-based materials for separation applications, i.e., porous membranes, functional and barrier coatings, adhesives, saloplastics, and extraction media. Additionally, we highlight the challenges and opportunities and discuss what is needed to get to the next level. We envision that collaboration between experimentalists and theoreticians can leverage experimental datasets with accurate descriptions of all the parameters for multiscale modelling, machine learning and artificial intelligence approaches that can be used to design PEC materials and predict their properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiaying Li
- Department of Molecules and Materials, Faculty of Science and Technology, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands.
| | - Lijie Li
- Department of Molecules and Materials, Faculty of Science and Technology, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands.
- Department of Membrane Science and Technology, Faculty of Science and Technology, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Hestie A Brink
- Department of Membrane Science and Technology, Faculty of Science and Technology, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Giulia Allegri
- Department of Molecules and Materials, Faculty of Science and Technology, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands.
| | - Saskia Lindhoud
- Department of Molecules and Materials, Faculty of Science and Technology, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ji YL, Yin MJ, An QF, Gao CJ. Recent developments in polymeric nano-based separation membranes. FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 2:254-267. [PMID: 38933154 PMCID: PMC11197816 DOI: 10.1016/j.fmre.2021.11.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Polymeric nanomaterials, which have tuneable chemical structures, versatile functionalities, and good compatibility with polymeric matrices, have attracted increasing interest from researchers for the construction of polymeric nano-based separation membranes. With their distinctive nanofeatures, polymeric nano-based membranes show great promise in overcoming bottlenecks in polymer membranes, namely, the trade-off between permeability and selectivity, low stability, and fouling issues. Accordingly, recent studies have focused on tuning the structures and tailoring the surface properties of polymeric nano-based membranes via exploitation of membrane fabrication techniques and surface modification strategies, with the objective of pushing the performance of polymeric nano-based membranes to a new level. In this review, first, the approaches for fabricating polymeric nano-based mixed matrix membranes and homogeneous membranes are summarized, such as surface coating, phase inversion, interfacial polymerization, and self-assembly methods. Next, the manipulation strategies of membrane surface properties, namely, the hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity, charge characteristics, and surface roughness, and interior microstructural properties, namely, the pore size and content, channel construction and regulation, are comprehensively discussed. Subsequently, the separation performances of liquid ions/molecules and gas molecules through polymeric nano-based membranes are systematically reported. Finally, we conclude this review with an overview of various unsolved scientific and technical challenges that are associated with new opportunities in the development of advanced polymeric nano-based membranes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Li Ji
- Center for Membrane and Water Science & Technology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Ming-Jie Yin
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Green Catalysis and Separation, Department of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Quan-Fu An
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Green Catalysis and Separation, Department of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Cong-Jie Gao
- Center for Membrane and Water Science & Technology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Oberhausen B, Kickelbick G. Induction heating induced self-healing of nanocomposites based on surface-functionalized cationic iron oxide particles and polyelectrolytes. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2021; 3:5589-5604. [PMID: 36133272 PMCID: PMC9417805 DOI: 10.1039/d1na00417d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Supramolecular interactions represent versatile, reversible, and intrinsic mechanisms for bond formation after the failure of materials. Ionic interactions excel through high flexibility and binding strength. In this study, ionic interactions between polymer matrices and inorganic nanoparticles were used to induce self-healing properties. Random, anionic polyelectrolyte copolymers consisting of di(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate and sodium-4-(methacryloyloxy)butan-1-sulfonate were synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization. Differential scanning calorimetry measurements confirmed the adjustability of the glass transition temperature via the polymer composition. Within the glass transition temperature window of the homopolymers from -23 °C to 126 °C, the range between -18 °C to 50 °C was examined, generating suitable matrices for self-healing. Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles with a size of 8 nm were synthesized by thermal decomposition of iron(iii) acetylacetonate and used as the inorganic filler. Positive surface charges were introduced by functionalization with N,N,N-trimethyl-6-phosphonhexan-1-aminium bromide. Functionalization was confirmed with FTIR, TGA, and zeta potential measurements. Ionic interactions between filler and polymer promote a uniform particle dispersion within the material. Self-healing experiments were performed at 80 °C and without the addition of further healing agents. Utilizing the magnetic properties induced by the iron oxide nanoparticles, spatially resolved healing within an alternating magnetic field was achieved on a μm scale.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bastian Oberhausen
- Saarland University, Inorganic Solid-State Chemistry Campus, Building C4.1 66123 Saarbrücken Germany
| | - Guido Kickelbick
- Saarland University, Inorganic Solid-State Chemistry Campus, Building C4.1 66123 Saarbrücken Germany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ji YL, Gu BX, An QF, Gao CJ. Recent Advances in the Fabrication of Membranes Containing "Ion Pairs" for Nanofiltration Processes. Polymers (Basel) 2017; 9:polym9120715. [PMID: 30966015 PMCID: PMC6418565 DOI: 10.3390/polym9120715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Revised: 12/09/2017] [Accepted: 12/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In the face of serious environmental pollution and water scarcity problems, the membrane separation technique, especially high efficiency, low energy consumption, and environmental friendly nanofiltration, has been quickly developed. Separation membranes with high permeability, good selectivity, and strong antifouling properties are critical for water treatment and green chemical processing. In recent years, researchers have paid more and more attention to the development of high performance nanofiltration membranes containing “ion pairs”. In this review, the effects of “ion pairs” characteristics, such as the super-hydrophilicity, controllable charge character, and antifouling property, on nanofiltration performances are discussed. A systematic survey was carried out on the various approaches and multiple regulation factors in the fabrication of polyelectrolyte complex membranes, zwitterionic membranes, and charged mosaic membranes, respectively. The mass transport behavior and antifouling mechanism of the membranes with “ion pairs” are also discussed. Finally, we present a brief perspective on the future development of advanced nanofiltration membranes with “ion pairs”.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Li Ji
- Center for Membrane and Water Science & Technology, Ocean College, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China.
| | - Bing-Xin Gu
- Center for Membrane and Water Science & Technology, Ocean College, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China.
| | - Quan-Fu An
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Green Catalysis and Separation, College of Environmental and Energy Engineering, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China.
| | - Cong-Jie Gao
- Center for Membrane and Water Science & Technology, Ocean College, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhang C, Wei K, Zhang W, Bai Y, Sun Y, Gu J. Graphene Oxide Quantum Dots Incorporated into a Thin Film Nanocomposite Membrane with High Flux and Antifouling Properties for Low-Pressure Nanofiltration. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2017; 9:11082-11094. [PMID: 28244726 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.6b12826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Graphene oxide quantum dots (GOQDs), novel carbon-based nanomaterials, have attracted tremendous research interest due to their unique properties associated with both graphene and quantum dots. In the present study, thin film nanocomposite (TFN) membranes comprising GOQDs dispersed within a tannic acid (TA) film were fabricated by an interfacial polymerization reaction for low-pressure nanofiltration (NF). The resultant TA/GOQDs TFN membranes had measurably smoother and more hydrophilic, negatively charged surfaces compared to the similarly formed TA thin film composite (TFC) membrane. Owing to the loose active layer structure and the combination of Donnan exclusion and steric hindrance, the TA/GOQDs TFN membrane showed a pure water flux up to 23.33 L/m2·h (0.2 MPa), which was 1.5 times more than that of pristine TA TFC membrane, while high dye rejection to Congo red (99.8%) and methylene blue (97.6%) was kept. In addition, the TA/GOQDs TFN membrane presented better antifouling properties, which was ascribed to the favorable changes in membrane hydrophilicity, ζ-potential, and surface roughness. These results indicated the great potential of such membranes in wastewater treatment, separation, and purification in many industrial fields.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunfang Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Food Colloids and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical and Material Engineering, Jiangnan University , Wuxi 214122, PR China
| | - Kaifang Wei
- The Key Laboratory of Food Colloids and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical and Material Engineering, Jiangnan University , Wuxi 214122, PR China
| | - Wenhai Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Food Colloids and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical and Material Engineering, Jiangnan University , Wuxi 214122, PR China
| | - Yunxiang Bai
- The Key Laboratory of Food Colloids and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical and Material Engineering, Jiangnan University , Wuxi 214122, PR China
| | - Yuping Sun
- The Key Laboratory of Food Colloids and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical and Material Engineering, Jiangnan University , Wuxi 214122, PR China
| | - Jin Gu
- The Key Laboratory of Food Colloids and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical and Material Engineering, Jiangnan University , Wuxi 214122, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Wu JK, Wang XS, Chen KF, Zhou GJ, Li X, Xu J, An QF. The states of sulfate groups affect the mechanical and separation properties of carboxymethyl cellulose/chitosan complex membranes. RSC Adv 2016. [DOI: 10.1039/c6ra02604d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Two states of sulfate groups were dissected to affect mechanical and separation performances of PECMs prepared from CS and CMC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Kai Wu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization
- Department of Polymer Science & Engineering
- Zhejiang University
- Hangzhou 310027
- China
| | - Xue-San Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization
- Department of Polymer Science & Engineering
- Zhejiang University
- Hangzhou 310027
- China
| | - Kai-Fan Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization
- Department of Polymer Science & Engineering
- Zhejiang University
- Hangzhou 310027
- China
| | - Guo-Jun Zhou
- Technology Center of China Tobacco Zhejiang Industrial Co. Ltd
- Hangzhou 310024
- China
- Key Laboratory of Adsorption and Separation Materials & Technologies of Zhejiang Province
- Hangzhou 310027
| | - Xia Li
- Technology Center of China Tobacco Zhejiang Industrial Co. Ltd
- Hangzhou 310024
- China
- Key Laboratory of Adsorption and Separation Materials & Technologies of Zhejiang Province
- Hangzhou 310027
| | - Jian Xu
- Technology Center of China Tobacco Zhejiang Industrial Co. Ltd
- Hangzhou 310024
- China
- Key Laboratory of Adsorption and Separation Materials & Technologies of Zhejiang Province
- Hangzhou 310027
| | - Quan-Fu An
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization
- Department of Polymer Science & Engineering
- Zhejiang University
- Hangzhou 310027
- China
| |
Collapse
|