Green Superabsorbent Hydrogel Derived from Activated Charcoal and Glycerol with Maleic Acid as a Cross-Linker
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Date
2024-02
Authors
Kasimu, Titus M.
Mbuvi, Harun M.
Maingi, Francis M.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of Experimental Sciences
Abstract
Superabsorbent hydrogels characterize a set of polymeric materials with three-dimensional structures capable of absorbing
large amounts of water due to their hydrophilic functional groups on their surface. Their application in industries,
agriculture, and the environment is of primary significance. This study reports the synthesis and characterization of
green superabsorbent hydrogels derived from activated charcoal. The process involved a polymerization reaction between
activated charcoal (AC) with glycerol (G) using sodium hydroxide as an initiator in the absence and presence of maleic
acid as a crosslinker to synthesize HCG-1 and HCG-2 superabsorbent hydrogel respectively. Characterization of the
hydrogels was done using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and
X-ray diffraction (XRD). Optimization conditions were done by synthesizing hydrogel with varying dosages of both
activated carbon and maleic acid as well as swelling time. The FT-IR results showed the appearance of strong sharp
peaks at 1591.34 cm-1 and 1400.28 cm-1 in HCG-1 associated with -COO¯ symmetric stretching and asymmetric bending
vibrations, indicating interlink between reacting monomers. Anew absorption band at 1639.48 cm-1 associated with -COO¯
bending in non-conjugated ester indicates ester-crosslink in HCG-2 hydrogel. XRD analysis showed a phase shift from
semi-crystalline to crystalline structure upon crosslinking. SEM analysis showed a crystalline intact, rigid structure without
voids and pores on its surface in HCG-1 compared to the smooth irregular pores and lamina structure observed in HCG-2
hydrogel. The dosage ratio of AC: G: maleic acid of 8:5:1 produced hydrogel with an optimal water absorption capacity
of 1255.80±0.70%. Maleic acid was found to improve the water absorption capacity of the superabsorbent. The study
is an eye opener towards the application of biodegradable hydrogels in agriculture, especially in semi and arid regions.
Description
Article
Keywords
Activated charcoal, Characterization, Crosslinking, Glycerol, Superabsorbent hydrogel
Citation
Kasimu, T. M., Mbuvi, H. M., & Maingi, F. M. (2024). Green superabsorbent hydrogel derived from activated charcoal and glycerol with maleic acid as a cross-linker. Journal of Experimental Sciences, 15, 1-7.