Thermoresponsive Polymers for Water Treatment and Collection

Xiaohui Xu, Navid Bizmark, Kofi S.S. Christie, Sujit S. Datta, Zhiyong Jason Ren, Rodney D. Priestley

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

41 Scopus citations

Abstract

To overcome the current scarcity of fresh water sustainably, new technologies will be required that produce potable water from a range of sources, including seawater and moisture from the atmosphere. Moreover, we must recover and reuse water from wastewater streams to reduce our global water footprint. To date, there remain significant concerns about the environmental/ecological impact, high energy consumption, and extensive maintenance costs of current technologies that might prevent their transition to more sustainable routes of potable water generation. One class of material that can enable low-energy water production is thermoresponsive polymers. Due to their unique phase behavior, production flexibility, and biocompatibility, these materials may allow for sustainable routes to fresh water in current and new technologies. In this Perspective, we specifically summarize the design and application of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)- (PNIPAm-) based thermoresponsive microgels and hydrogels. In particular, we show how these materials have been used for water purification, including wastewater treatment, seawater desalination, and moisture harvesting from the atmosphere. Finally, we discuss the opportunities and challenges of transforming current thermoresponsive materials into practical water-related technologies.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1894-1909
Number of pages16
JournalMacromolecules
Volume55
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 22 2022

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Organic Chemistry
  • Polymers and Plastics
  • Inorganic Chemistry
  • Materials Chemistry

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