Hydrogels for Removal of Heavy Metals from Aqueous Solution

Jie Zheng

doi:10.4172/2161-0525.s2-001

Abstract

Significant needs and efforts have been made in the development of novel hydrogels for early detecting and effectively removing heavy metal ions from environments. In this review, three types of hydrogels used for removal of heavy metal ions and associated ion capture-release mechanisms are discussed. Well-defined three-dimensional porous structures, coupled with highly hydrated and versatile chemical groups, are the keys to developing effective hydrogels for removal of toxic heavy ions. Biomolecule-conjugated hydrogels and stimuli-responsive hydrogels are the promising next generation materials for detection and removal of toxic heavy metal ions due to their selectively binding metal ions in a controlled manner.

Highlights

Some heavy metals (e.g. Fe, Zn, Cu, Co, Mn, and Mo) in small quantities are nutritionally essential for the maintenance of human metabolism [1]
The hydrophilic character of hydrogel adsorbents enable to form a flexible network of polymer chains, which allows metal ions to quickly penetrate into the network with water and to form stable complexes with functional groups [20]
In an effort to fill this gap, this review will solely focus on the development and testing of three types of hydrogels for selectively removing toxic heavy metal ions from environmental in a controlled manner

Summary

Introduction

Some heavy metals (e.g. Fe, Zn, Cu, Co, Mn, and Mo) in small quantities are nutritionally essential for the maintenance of human metabolism [1]. Significant efforts have been invested in the removal of heavy metals from whole environments using a wide range of hydrogels functionalized by carboxylic acid, amine, hydroxyl, or sulfonic acid groups, which are able to form complexes with toxic metal ions [21]. Very limited studies have been reported for addressing selective removal of heavy metal ions using controllable functionalized hydrogels.

Results

Conclusion