Recyclable and degradable nonwoven-based double-network composite hydrogel adsorbent for efficient removal of Pb(II) and Ni(II) from aqueous solution

This study reports a novel adsorbent structure and shows the satisfactory removal performance of Pb(II) and Ni(II). The fabric structure increases the strength of the hydrogel. The hydrogel plays a major role in the composite structure as a matrix, while the fabric bears the applied load and protects the structure from mechanical damage. The double-network composite hydrogel is reinforced by plasma grafted polylactic acid melt-blown non-woven fabric and polyethylene glycol dimaleate, and its compressive strength reaches 40.6 kPa at 60% strain. The interface substantially improves the compression strength by 42.9%. Through the adsorption isotherm model, the adsorption capacity of the hydrogel for Pb(II) and Ni(II) reaches 233.12 and 165.06 mg/g, respectively, and the removal rate of heavy metal ions in water at low concentrations exceeds 95%, showing the excellent removal rate of heavy metals. Even after the fifth cycle, the removal efficiency barely declines, indicating the feasibility of repeatedly use. Cost analysis reveals that the adsorbent is relatively low cost, solving the problems of difficult recovery, low strength, and easy damage of hydrogel adsorbents, and promoting the industrial application of hydrogels as adsorbents.