Proposal for master internship/PhD
Hydrogels and composites with optimal efficiency and minimal environmental impact for adsorption of toxic metals
The increasing demand for water due to technology and industrial activity has led to the use of hydrogels to treat water pollution. These three-dimensional networks of polymer chains possess a number of advantageous properties, including low interfacial tension, good elasticity, high hydrophilic properties, selective permeability, and high absorption capacities. However, their weak mechanical properties limit their applications. Research aims to improve their performance by introducing fillers or crosslinked polymers.
The aim of the project is to better understand the structural and the mechnical properties of hydrogels as well as composites in relationship with their optimised elaboration to use them for the selective adsorption of different pollutants such as dies or metallic ions.
Key words: hydrogels, composites, nanoparticles, viscoelasticity, adsorption, pollution, sustainable environment
International collaboration with Spain
