Gel based on modified chitosan for oil spill cleanup

Abstract

AbstractA method has been developed for obtaining a polymer porous gel and coating based on nontoxic and environmentally friendly components: chitosan, citral, and glutaraldehyde. The chemical structure and morphology of the polymer gel were investigated by infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. The contact angles were determined using a goniometer, and the water and oil absorption of the gel were determined by the gravimetric method based on changes in the gel mass. Measurement of the contact angle θ of transmission oil and water drops on the coating surface showed the hydrophobic nature of the coating (θ = 90° for water and θ = 0° for oil). Study of the sorption properties of the resulting gel showed high sorption capacity with respect to transmission oil (9.05 kg/kg) and low sorption capacity with respect to water (2.46 kg/kg). It was found that after oil desorption from the loaded aerogel, it can be reused. The potential possibility of recycling the spent gel through its biodegradation in the soil was shown. Because of the excellent sorption capacity, high porosity, low density, and soil degradability, the developed gel has a great potential for application in the field of environmental purification from oil pollution.