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Gel-Based Adsorbent Materials for Environmental Remediation
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Gel-Based Adsorbent Materials for Environmental Remediation

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2025 | Viewed by 8090

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Inimfon A. Udoetok

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Regina, Regina, SK S4S 0A2, Canada
Interests: physical chemistry; biopolymers; crosslinking; composite formation; surface functionalization; sorption; lithium extraction; environmental remediation
Dr. Abdalla H. Karoyo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Nortek Data Cooling Center, Research and Development, 1502D Quebec Ave, Saskatoon, SK S7K 1V7, Canada
Interests: biopolymers; hydrogels; adsorption; interfacial interactions; structure-function relationship; environmental remediation; HVAC; water management

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Gels have a 3D polymeric network with remarkable physicochemical properties, such as excellent water absorption and retention capacity, good pollutant adsorption capacity, and reversible swelling ability. Their biocompatible, biodegradable, and non-toxic nature makes them highly suitable for diverse water treatment applications that employ adsorption, filtration, and membrane separation techniques. Gel-based materials are distinguished as organogels or hydrogels and can be derived from natural or synthetic sources. The various synthetic methods for preparing gels, employing a variety of precursors and composite strategies, afford adsorbent materials with diverse functionality and applications in pure water harvesting, sequestration of organic and inorganic pollutants, and oil–water separation. The structural properties of the gels determine their utility in removing polar or apolar organic pollutants and cationic or anionic inorganic particles for tailored applications. For example, the introduction of metallic–organic frameworks (MOFs) into hydrogels imparts superior physicochemical properties, such as surface area, porosity, functional groups, mechanical stability, and recoverability for improved and tailored adsorption performance. Similarly, supramolecular-based gel materials manifest responsiveness to external stimuli, making them more versatile as smart adsorbent materials. This Special Issue focuses on the use of gels for the adsorption of pollutants (e.g., heavy metals, dyes, agrochemicals, and pharmaceuticals) from aqueous solutions. We welcome original research papers, reviews, communications, and short papers that highlight the preparation, characterization, structure–function relationship, and advantages or challenges of using gel-based materials for applications in environmental remediation.

Dr. Inimfon A. Udoetok
Dr. Abdalla H. Karoyo
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 2100 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

  • gels
  • environmental remediation
  • adsorbent
  • adsorption
  • crosslinking
  • smart materials
  • structure–function
  • water harvesting

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 5698 KiB  
Article
A Comparative Analysis of the Water Retention Properties of Hydrogels Prepared from Melon and Orange Peels in Soils
by Shiwei Fang, Yuan Zhong, Jun Wu, Yufan Xie, Liqun Cai, Minjun Li, Jun Cao, Hejie Zhao and Bo Dong
Gels 2025, 11(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11010008 - 27 Dec 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1758
Abstract
The objective of this study was to conduct a comparative analysis of the performance of hydrogels prepared from two distinct raw materials and to identify the hydrogels with the optimal overall capacity for dry farming applications. Ten grafted polymer hydrogels were prepared from [...] Read more.
The objective of this study was to conduct a comparative analysis of the performance of hydrogels prepared from two distinct raw materials and to identify the hydrogels with the optimal overall capacity for dry farming applications. Ten grafted polymer hydrogels were prepared from melon peel (MP) and orange peel (OP). A comparative analysis of the degree of swelling, water absorption time, pH range, reusability, and soil water retention and water-holding capacity of the two hydrogels revealed that the MP-based hydrogels exhibited superior performance in all evaluated parameters when compared to their OP-based counterparts. The treatment group of hydrogels prepared from MPs exhibited the highest degree of swelling, with an absorptive capacity of up to 765.6 g/g in ultrapure water. The optimum absorption ratio at pH = 8.1 was 606.8 g/g, as determined by Gaussian distribution modeling. The treatment group with the best reusability demonstrated an average absorption ratio of 445.0 g/g. The degree of swelling was 84.0 g/g when the process was repeated seven times. After the MP-gels were applied to the soil, it was observed that the gels enhanced the water retention and holding capacity of the sandy soil. The water retention ratio of the sandy soil was increased by 271.0% by the addition of MP-gel, and the growth of wheat was found to be normal when 1.5% to 2.0% of MP-gel was added under drought-stress conditions. In light of the necessity to reuse agricultural waste, the preparation of MP-gel can facilitate the improvement of dry farming and address the issue of water scarcity in agriculture. This offers a viable solution for the growth and management of crops under conditions of drought stress. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gel-Based Adsorbent Materials for Environmental Remediation)
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20 pages, 4591 KiB  
Article
“From Waste to Wonder”: Comparative Evaluation of Chinese Cabbage Waste and Banana Peel Derived Hydrogels on Soil Water Retention Performance
by Yufan Xie, Yuan Zhong, Jun Wu, Shiwei Fang, Liqun Cai, Minjun Li, Jun Cao, Hejie Zhao and Bo Dong
Gels 2024, 10(12), 833; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10120833 - 18 Dec 2024
Viewed by 950
Abstract
Under the increasing severity of drought issues and the urgent need for the resourceful utilization of agricultural waste, this study aimed to compare the soil water retention properties of hydrogels prepared from Chinese cabbage waste (CW) and banana peel (BP) using grafting techniques [...] Read more.
Under the increasing severity of drought issues and the urgent need for the resourceful utilization of agricultural waste, this study aimed to compare the soil water retention properties of hydrogels prepared from Chinese cabbage waste (CW) and banana peel (BP) using grafting techniques with acrylic acid (AA) and acrylamide (AAm). Free radical polymerization was initiated with ammonium persulfate (APS), and N, N′-methylene bisacrylamide (MBA) served as the crosslinking agent to fabricate the grafted polymer hydrogels. The hydrogels were subjected to detailed evaluations of their water absorption, reusability, and water retention capabilities through indoor experiments. The optimal hydrogel was identified and its applicability in wheat seedling growth was assessed. The findings revealed that the CW-gel, with an equilibrium swelling ratio of 551.8 g/g in ultrapure water, demonstrated remarkable performance and sustained a high water retention of 57.6% even after drying, which was markedly superior to that of the BP-gel. The CW-gel with the best comprehensive properties significantly improved water retention in sandy soil by 78.2% and prolonged the retention time by five days, indicating its potential for long-term irrigation management. In contrast, the BP-gel showed better performance in clay soil, with an increased water-holding capacity of 43.3%. The application of a 1.5% CW-gel concentration under drought stress significantly improved wheat seedling growth, highlighting the role of hydrogels in agriculture and providing a new path for sustainable water resource management in dryland farming. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gel-Based Adsorbent Materials for Environmental Remediation)
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15 pages, 10220 KiB  
Article
Revolutionary ZVI-Entrapped Sol–Gel Silica Matrices: Efficient Catalytic Reduction of High-Concentration Halo-Organic Compounds—Addressing Bromoacetic Acid Contamination in Industrial Wastewaters
by Gifty Sara Rolly, Dan Meyerstein, Ariela Burg, Dror Shamir and Yael Albo
Gels 2024, 10(11), 718; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10110718 - 7 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 779
Abstract
The de-halogenation of highly concentrated halo-organic compounds using Zero Valent Iron entrapped in silica matrices as a catalyst was investigated. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Zero Valent Iron-entrapped organically modified silica matrices in transforming highly concentrated hazardous halogenated compounds [...] Read more.
The de-halogenation of highly concentrated halo-organic compounds using Zero Valent Iron entrapped in silica matrices as a catalyst was investigated. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Zero Valent Iron-entrapped organically modified silica matrices in transforming highly concentrated hazardous halogenated compounds into environmentally benign materials in the presence of BH4−. The Zero Valent Iron-entrapped silica gel matrices were synthesized using the sol–gel method. The de-halogenation products were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography. The results suggest that the Zero Valent Iron-entrapped silica matrices are effective catalysts in the de-halogenation reaction of halo-organics by BH4− with 100% efficiency. The current work also highlights the complete de-bromination of harmful wastewater generated by the bromoacetic acid manufacturing industry using Zero Valent Iron-entrapped silica matrices. Therefore, Zero Valent Iron-entrapped silica matrices can be considered potential candidates for the catalytic removal of highly concentrated halo-organic compounds from contaminated water. This technology can play a crucial role in reducing the environmental impact of hazardous substances. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gel-Based Adsorbent Materials for Environmental Remediation)
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17 pages, 6542 KiB  
Article
Stabilization of Oil-in-Water Pickering Emulsions by Surface-Functionalized Cellulose Hydrogel
by Inimfon A. Udoetok, Mohamed H. Mohamed and Lee D. Wilson
Gels 2024, 10(11), 685; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10110685 - 24 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1703
Abstract
An amphiphilic cellulose (CLH) hydrogel was synthesized via grafting of quaternary ammonium groups onto cellulose. The structural properties of CLH were characterized via Fourier transform infrared (FTIR)/13C solid-state NMR spectroscopy, elemental (CHN) analysis, particle size distribution (PSD), thermogravimetric analysis [...] Read more.
An amphiphilic cellulose (CLH) hydrogel was synthesized via grafting of quaternary ammonium groups onto cellulose. The structural properties of CLH were characterized via Fourier transform infrared (FTIR)/13C solid-state NMR spectroscopy, elemental (CHN) analysis, particle size distribution (PSD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and wettability was assessed through contact angle measurements. Pickering emulsions of apolar oils in water were prepared using variable weights of the CLH hydrogel as the stabilizing agent, along with different methods of agitation (mechanical shaking and sonication). The characterization results for CLH provide support for the successful grafting of quaternary ammonium groups onto cellulose to produce hydrogels. Different methods of agitation of an oil/water mixture revealed the formation of an oil-in-water (O/W) Pickering emulsion that was stable to coalescence for over 14 days. The resulting emulsions showed variable droplet sizes and stability according to the dosage of CLH in the emulsion and the agitation method, where the emulsion droplet size is related to the particle size of CLH. The addition of methyl orange (MO), a probe to evaluate the phase partitioning of the dye, had minor effects on the emulsion droplet size, and the emulsion prepared with 0.8 wt.% of CLH and agitated via sonication exhibited the smallest droplet size and greatest stability. This study is anticipated to catalyze further research and the development of low-cost and sustainable biopolymer hydrogels as stabilizers for tunable Pickering emulsion. Grafted cellulose materials of this type represent versatile stabilizing agents for foods, agrochemicals, and pharmaceutical products and technologies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gel-Based Adsorbent Materials for Environmental Remediation)
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Review

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14 pages, 1266 KiB  
Review
Effect of Sol–Gel Silica Matrices on the Chemical Properties of Adsorbed/Entrapped Compounds
by Ariela Burg, Krishna K. Yadav, Dan Meyerstein, Haya Kornweitz, Dror Shamir and Yael Albo
Gels 2024, 10(7), 441; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10070441 - 2 Jul 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2012
Abstract
The sol–gel process enables the preparation of silica-based matrices with tailored composition and properties that can be used in a variety of applications, including catalysis, controlled release, sensors, separation, etc. Commonly, it is assumed that silica matrices prepared via the sol–gel synthesis route [...] Read more.
The sol–gel process enables the preparation of silica-based matrices with tailored composition and properties that can be used in a variety of applications, including catalysis, controlled release, sensors, separation, etc. Commonly, it is assumed that silica matrices prepared via the sol–gel synthesis route are “inert” and, therefore, do not affect the properties of the substrate or the catalyst. This short review points out that porous silica affects the properties of adsorbed/entrapped species and, in some cases, takes an active part in the reactions. The charged matrix affects the diffusion of ions, thus affecting catalytic and adsorption processes. Furthermore, recent results point out that ≡Si-O. radicals are long-lived and participate in redox processes. Thus, clearly, porous silica is not an inert matrix as commonly considered. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gel-Based Adsorbent Materials for Environmental Remediation)
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