Isopolytungstate Nanocomposite Thermoresponsive Hydrogel for Wastewater Purification

Abstract

A novel sunlight sensitive composite as a wastewater purification material is presented. The substitute material is a thermoresponsive hydrogel, and the photocatalyst are uniformly dispersed tungsten trioxide nanoparticles. These nanocomposites confining poly(ethylene oxide)poly(propylene oxide)-poly(ethylene oxide) tri-block copolymer (EPE) molecules have packaged visible light driven isopolytungstate nano-buildings within the pores of copolymer fiber nets. The networks are provided (formed) by N-Isopropyl acrylamide (Nipam) and Acrylamide (AM). In wastewater solution, the Nipam-co-AM hydrogel is utilized to be a switchable and efficient filter for larger sized residue when subjected to temperature variation. By adding isopolytungstate nanoparticles as photocatalyst monomer, the small sized toxic organic materials can be effectively degraded. Such a hydrogel with distinct thermal and sunlight responsive properties can be produced as a functional material for wastewater dye degradation and large sized residue treatment of great significance in environmental friendly applications.