Alginate/graphene double-network nanocomposite hydrogel beads with low-swelling, enhanced mechanical properties, and enhanced adsorption capacity

Abstract

As a novel material, double network hydrogels have attracted great attention in recent years for their excellent mechanical properties; however, several other characteristics are yet to be improved. Here we report the synthesis of a novel alginate/reduced graphene oxide (RGO) double-network (GAD) hydrogel through a facile method, and investigate the GAD's mechanical properties, stability, and adsorption capacity in comparison with those of an alginate/RGO single network hydrogel (GAS). To produce the GAD, the first network of alginate is formed with randomly distributed graphene oxide (GO), resulting in the GAS; then the GAS is treated by a hydrothermal reduction, through which the GO is reduced and self-assembles into a second RGO network interpenetrating with the first, alginate network, forming the double-network GAD. The mechanism of the GAD formation is investigated and the property differences between the GAS and the GAD are examined. The resulting GAD exhibits a higher Young's modulus than the GAS, and the modulus increases with GO concentrations. The GAD also has a lower swelling ratio than the GAS, which leads to improved gel stability in highly concentrated alkali/salt solutions. The GAD beads exhibit an excellent adsorption capacity (Cu²⁺, 169.5 mg g⁻¹ and Cr₂O₇²⁻, 72.5 mg g⁻¹) for heavy metal ions, far better than that of the GAS. Even after 10 regeneration cycles, both GAS and GAD can still retain their considerable adsorption capacity for metals. The results of this work are of great significance to double network gel research, especially for environmental applications. With good stability, adsorption capacity, and regeneration ability, the double network gel could be a promising adsorbent nanomaterial for pollutant removal from aqueous solutions.