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Gels
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Functionalized Gels for Environmental Applications
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Functionalized Gels for Environmental Applications

A special issue of Gels (ISSN 2310-2861). This special issue belongs to the section "Gel Applications".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 September 2023) | Viewed by 25972

Printed Edition Available!
A printed edition of this Special Issue is available here.

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Luca Burratti

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Sciences, Roma Tre University of Rome, 00146 Rome, Italy
Interests: material science; hydrogels; water remediation; optical properties of materials; noble metal nanomaterials; 3D photo-printing
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Paolo Prosposito

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Cracovia n.50, 00133 Roma, Italy
Interests: optical sensors; silver nanoparticles; surface plasmon resonance; optical absorption; heavy metal ions; hybrid solgel based films; fluorescencent waveguides; 3D printing
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Iole Venditti

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Sciences, Roma Tre University of Rome via della Vasca navale 79, 00146 Rome, Italy
Interests: nanomaterials; inorganic chemistry; drug delivery; sensing; optical materials; photonics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

As Guest Editors of the Special Issue “Functionalized Gels for Environmental Applications” in Gels, we would like to invite you to contribute to its success. Based on your valuable expertise in this research field, we are confident that you can submit a manuscript that meets the journal’s criteria for significance and scientific excellence.

This Special Issue is dedicated to the synthesis, characterization, and application of functionalized or doped matrices (e.g., hydrogels, aerogels or sol–gels) for environmental purposes such as the sensing or removal of different toxic analytes. The chemical functional groups or the doping materials such as noble metal nanostructures, quantum dots, carbon nanotubes, etc. play several roles, donating further features to the host matrix such as particular optical, mechanical or electrical properties, and interacting with the surrounding environment. In addition, the employment of hosting matrices increases the handling and portability, and opens new horizons for in situ environmental applications.

Experimental and theoretical scientific research in environmental applications are warmly welcome.

Dr. Luca Burratti
Dr. Paolo Prosposito
Prof. Dr. Iole Venditti
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Gels is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • functionalized matrices
  • doped matrices
  • gels
  • noble metal nanoparticles
  • noble metal nanoclusters
  • quantum dots
  • sensing
  • remediation of environment
  • heavy metal ions
  • pesticides
  • toxic gaseous compounds

Related Special Issue

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

4 pages, 193 KiB  
Editorial
Functionalized Gels for Environmental Applications
by Luca Burratti, Paolo Prosposito and Iole Venditti
Gels 2023, 9(10), 818; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9100818 - 14 Oct 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 930
Abstract
A gel is a type of material that exhibits a semi-solid, jelly-like state, characterized by a three-dimensional network of interconnected particles or molecules dispersed within a liquid or solid medium [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functionalized Gels for Environmental Applications)

Research

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22 pages, 6852 KiB  
Article
Green Synthesis of Hydrogel-Based Adsorbent Material for the Effective Removal of Diclofenac Sodium from Wastewater
by Mariana Chelu, Monica Popa, Jose Calderon Moreno, Anca Ruxandra Leonties, Emma Adriana Ozon, Jeanina Pandele Cusu, Vasile Adrian Surdu, Ludmila Aricov and Adina Magdalena Musuc
Gels 2023, 9(6), 454; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9060454 - 01 Jun 2023
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 1876
Abstract
The removal of pharmaceutical contaminants from wastewater has gained considerable attention in recent years, particularly in the advancements of hydrogel-based adsorbents as a green solution for their ease of use, ease of modification, biodegradability, non-toxicity, environmental friendliness, and cost-effectiveness. This study focuses on [...] Read more.
The removal of pharmaceutical contaminants from wastewater has gained considerable attention in recent years, particularly in the advancements of hydrogel-based adsorbents as a green solution for their ease of use, ease of modification, biodegradability, non-toxicity, environmental friendliness, and cost-effectiveness. This study focuses on the design of an efficient adsorbent hydrogel based on 1% chitosan, 40% polyethylene glycol 4000 (PEG4000), and 4% xanthan gum (referred to as CPX) for the removal of diclofenac sodium (DCF) from water. The interaction between positively charged chitosan and negatively charged xanthan gum and PEG4000 leads to strengthening of the hydrogel structure. The obtained CPX hydrogel, prepared by a green, simple, easy, low-cost, and ecological method, has a higher viscosity due to the three-dimensional polymer network and mechanical stability. The physical, chemical, rheological, and pharmacotechnical parameters of the synthesized hydrogel were determined. Swelling analysis demonstrated that the new synthetized hydrogel is not pH-dependent. The obtained adsorbent hydrogel reached the adsorption capacity (172.41 mg/g) at the highest adsorbent amount (200 mg) after 350 min. In addition, the adsorption kinetics were calculated using a pseudo first-order model and Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm parameters. The results demonstrate that CPX hydrogel can be used as an efficient option to remove DCF as a pharmaceutical contaminant from wastewater. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functionalized Gels for Environmental Applications)
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14 pages, 3953 KiB  
Article
Effect of Chitosan as Active Bio-colloidal Constituent on the Diffusion of Dyes in Agarose Hydrogel
by Martina Klučáková
Gels 2023, 9(5), 395; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9050395 - 09 May 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1036
Abstract
Agarose hydrogel was enriched by chitosan as an active substance for the interactions with dyes. Direct blue 1, Sirius red F3B, and Reactive blue 49 were chosen as representative dyes for the study of the effect of their interaction with chitosan on their [...] Read more.
Agarose hydrogel was enriched by chitosan as an active substance for the interactions with dyes. Direct blue 1, Sirius red F3B, and Reactive blue 49 were chosen as representative dyes for the study of the effect of their interaction with chitosan on their diffusion in hydrogel. Effective diffusion coefficients were determined and compared with the value obtained for pure agarose hydrogel. Simultaneously, sorption experiments were realized. The sorption ability of enriched hydrogel was several times higher in comparison with pure agarose hydrogel. Determined diffusion coefficients decreased with the addition of chitosan. Their values included the effects of hydrogel pore structure and interactions between chitosan and dyes. Diffusion experiments were realized at pH 3, 7, and 11. The effect of pH on the diffusivity of dyes in pure agarose hydrogel was negligible. Effective diffusion coefficients obtained for hydrogels enriched by chitosan increased gradually with increasing pH value. Electrostatic interactions between amino group of chitosan and sulfonic group of dyes resulted in the formation of zones with a sharp boundary between coloured and transparent hydrogel (mainly at lower pH values). A concentration jump was observed at a given distance from the interface between hydrogel and the donor dye solution. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functionalized Gels for Environmental Applications)
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13 pages, 2955 KiB  
Article
Poly(ethylene glycol) Diacrylate Hydrogel with Silver Nanoclusters for Water Pb(II) Ions Filtering
by Luca Burratti, Marco Zannotti, Valentin Maranges, Rita Giovannetti, Leonardo Duranti, Fabio De Matteis, Roberto Francini and Paolo Prosposito
Gels 2023, 9(2), 133; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9020133 - 04 Feb 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1482
Abstract
Poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) hydrogels modified with luminescent silver nanoclusters (AgNCs) are synthesized by a photo-crosslinking process. The hybrid material thus obtained is employed to filter Pb(II) polluted water. Under the best conditions, the nanocomposite is able to remove up to 80–90% of [...] Read more.
Poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) hydrogels modified with luminescent silver nanoclusters (AgNCs) are synthesized by a photo-crosslinking process. The hybrid material thus obtained is employed to filter Pb(II) polluted water. Under the best conditions, the nanocomposite is able to remove up to 80–90% of lead contaminant, depending on the filter composition. The experimental results indicate that the adsorption process of Pb(II) onto the modified filter can be well modeled using the Freundlich isotherm, thus revealing that the chemisorption is the driving process of Pb(II) adsorption. In addition, the parameter n in the Freundlich model suggests that the adsorption process of Pb(II) ions in the modified hydrogel is favored. Based on the obtained remarkable contaminant uptake capacity and the overall low cost, this hybrid system appears to be a promising sorbent material for the removal of Pb(II) ions from aqueous media. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functionalized Gels for Environmental Applications)
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16 pages, 3104 KiB  
Article
How the Addition of Chitosan Affects the Transport and Rheological Properties of Agarose Hydrogels
by Martina Klučáková
Gels 2023, 9(2), 99; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9020099 - 23 Jan 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1405
Abstract
Agarose hydrogels enriched by chitosan were studied from a point of view diffusion and the immobilization of metal ions. Copper was used as a model metal with a high affinity to chitosan. The influence of interactions between copper and chitosan on transport properties [...] Read more.
Agarose hydrogels enriched by chitosan were studied from a point of view diffusion and the immobilization of metal ions. Copper was used as a model metal with a high affinity to chitosan. The influence of interactions between copper and chitosan on transport properties was investigated. Effective diffusion coefficients were determined and compared with values obtained from pure agarose hydrogel. Their values increased with the amount of chitosan added to agarose hydrogel and the lowest addition caused the decrease in diffusivity in comparison with hydrogel without chitosan. Liesegang patterns were observed in the hydrogels with higher contents of chitosan. The patterns were more distinct if the chitosan content increased. The formation of Liesegang patterns caused a local decrease in the concentration of copper ions and concentration profiles were affected by this phenomenon. Thus, the values of effective diffusion coefficient covered the influences of pore structure of hydrogels and the interactions between chitosan and metal ions, including precipitation on observed Liesegang rings. From the point of view of rheology, the addition of chitosan resulted in changes in storage and loss moduli, which can show on a “more liquid” character of enriched hydrogels. It can contribute to the increase in the effective diffusion coefficients for hydrogels with higher content of chitosan. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functionalized Gels for Environmental Applications)
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10 pages, 4161 KiB  
Article
Cobalt- and Copper-Based Chemiresistors for Low Concentration Methane Detection, a Comparison Study
by Paul Chesler, Cristian Hornoiu, Mihai Anastasescu, Jose Maria Calderon-Moreno, Marin Gheorghe and Mariuca Gartner
Gels 2022, 8(11), 721; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels8110721 - 08 Nov 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1335
Abstract
Methane is a colorless/odorless major greenhouse effect gas, which can explode when it accumulates at concentrations above 50,000 ppm. Its detection cannot be performed without specialized equipment, namely sensing devices. A series of MOX sensors (chemiresistors type), with CoO and CuO sensitive [...] Read more.
Methane is a colorless/odorless major greenhouse effect gas, which can explode when it accumulates at concentrations above 50,000 ppm. Its detection cannot be performed without specialized equipment, namely sensing devices. A series of MOX sensors (chemiresistors type), with CoO and CuO sensitive films were obtained using an eco-friendly and low-cost deposition technique (sol–gel). The sensing films were characterized using AFM and SEM as thin film. The transducers are based on an alumina wafer, with Au or Pt interdigital electrodes (IDE) printed onto the alumina surface. The sensor response was recorded upon sensor exposure to different methane concentrations (target gas) under lab conditions (dried target and carrier gas from gas cylinders), in a constant gas flow, with target gas concentrations in the 5–2000 ppm domain and a direct current (DC) applied to the IDE as sensor operating voltage. Humidity and cross-sensitivity (CO2) measurements were performed, along with sensor stability measurements, to better characterize the obtained sensors. The obtained results emphasize good 3-S sensor parameters (sensitivity, partial selectivity and stability) and also short response time and complete sensor recovery, completed by a low working temperature (220 °C), which are key factors for further development of a new commercial chemiresistor for methane detection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functionalized Gels for Environmental Applications)
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14 pages, 3053 KiB  
Article
A Peptide-Based Hydrogel for Adsorption of Dyes and Pharmaceuticals in Water Remediation
by Anna Fortunato and Miriam Mba
Gels 2022, 8(10), 672; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels8100672 - 19 Oct 2022
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2121
Abstract
The removal of dyes and pharmaceuticals from water has become a major issue in recent years due to the shortage of freshwater resources. The adsorption of these pollutants through nontoxic, easy-to-make, and environmentally friendly adsorbents has become a popular topic. In this work, [...] Read more.
The removal of dyes and pharmaceuticals from water has become a major issue in recent years due to the shortage of freshwater resources. The adsorption of these pollutants through nontoxic, easy-to-make, and environmentally friendly adsorbents has become a popular topic. In this work, a tetrapeptide–pyrene conjugate was rationally designed to form hydrogels under controlled acidic conditions. The hydrogels were thoroughly characterized, and their performance in the adsorption of various dyes and pharmaceuticals from water was investigated. The supramolecular hydrogel efficiently adsorbed methylene blue (MB) and diclofenac (DCF) from water. The effect of concentration in the adsorption efficiency was studied, and results indicated that while the adsorption of MB is governed by the availability of adsorption sites, in the case of DCF, concentration is the driving force of the process. In the case of MB, the nature of the dye–hydrogel interactions and the mechanism of the adsorption process were investigated through UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy. The studies proved how this dye is first adsorbed as a monomer, probably through electrostatic interactions; successively, at increasing concentrations as the electrostatic adsorption sites are depleted, dimerization on the hydrogel surface occurs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functionalized Gels for Environmental Applications)
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11 pages, 1931 KiB  
Article
Thermoresponsive Cationic Polymers: PFAS Binding Performance under Variable pH, Temperature and Comonomer Composition
by E. Molly Frazar, Anicah Smith, Thomas Dziubla and J. Zach Hilt
Gels 2022, 8(10), 668; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels8100668 - 18 Oct 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2294
Abstract
The versatility and unique qualities of thermoresponsive polymeric systems have led to the application of these materials in a multitude of fields. One such field that can significantly benefit from the use of innovative, smart materials is environmental remediation. Of particular significance, multifunctional [...] Read more.
The versatility and unique qualities of thermoresponsive polymeric systems have led to the application of these materials in a multitude of fields. One such field that can significantly benefit from the use of innovative, smart materials is environmental remediation. Of particular significance, multifunctional poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) systems based on PNIPAAm copolymerized with various cationic comonomers have the opportunity to target and attract negatively charged pollutants such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). The thermoresponsive cationic PNIPAAm systems developed in this work were functionalized with cationic monomers N-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]acrylamide (DMAPA) and (3-acrylamidopropyl)trimethylammonium chloride (DMAPAQ). The polymers were examined for swelling capacity behavior and PFOA binding potential when exposed to aqueous environments with varying pH and temperature. Comonomer loading percentages had the most significant effect on polymer swelling behavior and temperature responsiveness as compared to aqueous pH. PFOA removal efficiency was greatly improved with the addition of DMAPA and DMAPAQ monomers. Aqueous pH and buffer selection were important factors when examining binding potential of the polymers, as buffered aqueous environments altered polymer PFOA removal quite drastically. The role of temperature on binding potential was not as expected and had no discernible effect on the ability of DMAPAQ polymers to remove PFOA. Overall, the cationic systems show interesting swelling behavior and significant PFOA removal results that can be explored further for potential environmental remediation applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functionalized Gels for Environmental Applications)
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26 pages, 9464 KiB  
Article
Design and Development of Fluorinated and Biocide-Free Sol–Gel Based Hybrid Functional Coatings for Anti-Biofouling/Foul-Release Activity
by Silvia Sfameni, Giulia Rando, Maurilio Galletta, Ileana Ielo, Marco Brucale, Filomena De Leo, Paola Cardiano, Simone Cappello, Annamaria Visco, Valentina Trovato, Clara Urzì and Maria Rosaria Plutino
Gels 2022, 8(9), 538; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels8090538 - 26 Aug 2022
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2448
Abstract
Biofouling has destructive effects on shipping and leisure vessels, thus producing severe problems for marine and naval sectors due to corrosion with consequent elevated fuel consumption and higher maintenance costs. The development of anti-fouling or fouling release coatings creates deterrent surfaces that prevent [...] Read more.
Biofouling has destructive effects on shipping and leisure vessels, thus producing severe problems for marine and naval sectors due to corrosion with consequent elevated fuel consumption and higher maintenance costs. The development of anti-fouling or fouling release coatings creates deterrent surfaces that prevent the initial settlement of microorganisms. In this regard, new silica-based materials were prepared using two alkoxysilane cross-linkers containing epoxy and amine groups (i.e., 3-Glycidyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane and 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, respectively), in combination with two functional fluoro-silane (i.e., 3,3,3-trifluoropropyl-trimethoxysilane and glycidyl-2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,9,9-hexadecafluorononylether) featuring well-known hydro repellent and anti-corrosion properties. As a matter of fact, the co-condensation of alkoxysilane featuring epoxide and amine ends, also mixed with two opportune long chain and short chain perfluorosilane precursors, allows getting stable amphiphilic, non-toxic, fouling release coatings. The sol–gel mixtures on coated glass slides were fully characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, while the morphology was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The fouling release properties were evaluated through tests on treated glass slides in different microbial suspensions in seawater-based mediums and in seawater natural microcosms. The developed fluorinated coatings show suitable antimicrobial activities and low adhesive properties; no biocidal effects were observed for the microorganisms (bacteria). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functionalized Gels for Environmental Applications)
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9 pages, 4743 KiB  
Article
Synthesis and CO2 Capture of Porous Hydrogel Particles Consisting of Hyperbranched Poly(amidoamine)s
by Hojung Choi, Sanghwa Lee, SeongUk Jeong, Yeon Ki Hong and Sang Youl Kim
Gels 2022, 8(8), 500; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels8080500 - 11 Aug 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1804
Abstract
We successfully synthesized new macroporous hydrogel particles consisting of hyperbranched poly(amidoamine)s (HPAMAM) using the Oil-in-Water-in-Oil (O/W/O) suspension polymerization method at both the 50 mL flask scale and the 5 L reactor scale. The pore sizes and particle sizes were easily tuned by controlling [...] Read more.
We successfully synthesized new macroporous hydrogel particles consisting of hyperbranched poly(amidoamine)s (HPAMAM) using the Oil-in-Water-in-Oil (O/W/O) suspension polymerization method at both the 50 mL flask scale and the 5 L reactor scale. The pore sizes and particle sizes were easily tuned by controlling the agitation speeds during the polymerization reaction. Since O/W/O suspension polymerization gives porous architecture to the microparticles, synthesized hydrogel particles having abundant amine groups inside polymers exhibited a high CO2 absorption capacity (104 mg/g) and a fast absorption rate in a packed-column test. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functionalized Gels for Environmental Applications)
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Review

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35 pages, 8517 KiB  
Review
Hydrogel-Based Adsorbent Material for the Effective Removal of Heavy Metals from Wastewater: A Comprehensive Review
by Zenab Darban, Syed Shahabuddin, Rama Gaur, Irfan Ahmad and Nanthini Sridewi
Gels 2022, 8(5), 263; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels8050263 - 22 Apr 2022
Cited by 60 | Viewed by 7993
Abstract
Water is a vital resource that is required for social and economic development. A rapid increase in industrialization and numerous anthropogenic activities have resulted in severe water contamination. In particular, the contamination caused by heavy metal discharge has a negative impact on human [...] Read more.
Water is a vital resource that is required for social and economic development. A rapid increase in industrialization and numerous anthropogenic activities have resulted in severe water contamination. In particular, the contamination caused by heavy metal discharge has a negative impact on human health and the aquatic environment due to the non-biodegradability, toxicity, and carcinogenic effects of heavy metals. Thus, there is an immediate need to recycle wastewater before releasing heavy metals into water bodies. Hydrogels, as potent adsorbent materials, are a good contenders for treating toxic heavy metals in wastewater. Hydrogels are a soft matter formed via the cross-linking of natural or synthetic polymers to develop a three-dimensional mesh structure. The inherent properties of hydrogels, such as biodegradability, swell-ability, and functionalization, have made them superior applications for heavy metal removal. In this review, we have emphasized the recent development in the synthesis of hydrogel-based adsorbent materials. The review starts with a discussion on the methods used for recycling wastewater. The discussion then shifts to properties, classification based on various criteria, and surface functionality. In addition, the synthesis and adsorption mechanisms are explained in detail with the understanding of the regeneration, recovery, and reuse of hydrogel-based adsorbent materials. Therefore, the cost-effective, facile, easy to modify and biodegradable hydrogel may provide a long-term solution for heavy metal removal. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functionalized Gels for Environmental Applications)
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