MICROGELS FOR CONTROLLED UPTAKE AND RELEASE

摘要

We have demonstrated that, by building certain functionalities into microgel particles, these particles may be used to (selectively) absorb and "scavenge" low molecular weight impurities / pollutants from aqueous media. Microgel particles have a high absorption capacity, and, because of their high surface area and porosity, absorption equilibrium is achieved relatively quickly. They can readily be used in packed-bed or dialysis mode. Moreover, ways exist of recovering the pollutant molecules / ions fairly readily. All the examples chosen here were based (primarily) on electrostatic mechanisms for binding. Clearly other mechanisms could also be utilised ("lock-and-key", chelating agents, H-bonding, hydrophobic association, etc.). In the case of high molecular weight species or (small) colloidal impurities, then the swelling/deswelling features of microgel particles may also be brought into play.