POS4-1084
Carboxymethyl cellulose/alginate/chitosan-based polyelectrolyte complex hydrogel with irregularly shaped multi-metallic nanowires for efficient continuous-flow Cr(VI) remediation
Topic
S4. Colloids, Interfaces, and Molecular Assemblies for Functional Soft Materials
When and Where
Oct 1, 2026
08:30 - 09:30
Room 301 (Grand Ballroom)
Session Chairs
Jinkee HONG
Ki Su KIM
Presenter(s)
Songhee Choi (Pukyong National University)
Co-Author(s)
Abstract
The efficient treatment of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) in industrial wastewater remains a critical environmental challenge. In this study, a natural polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) hydrogel composed of carboxymethyl cellulose, alginate, and chitosan was utilised as a support matrix for Pd/Au/Ag/Pt nanowires to enable continuous-flow catalytic conversion of Cr(VI) into the less toxic Cr(III). The PEC network, formed through electrostatic interactions and counterion release, provides a highly porous structure with tunable physicochemical properties, making it suitable for nanoparticle immobilisation and catalytic processes. The incorporation of glutaraldehyde, citric acid, and calcium ions as crosslinking agents further enhanced the structural stability and porosity of the hydrogel. Multi-metallic Pd/Au/Ag/Pt nanowires were synthesised via galvanic replacement and co-reduction of Pd/Au/Ag nanowires generated through an oriented attachment mechanism. Their irregular and undulating morphology facilitated efficient integration within the hydrogel matrix. The nanowires achieved complete reduction of Cr(VI) within 15 min, while the nanocomposite hydrogel maintained excellent catalytic activity under continuous-flow conditions, accomplishing complete Cr(VI) removal within 5 h. These findings demonstrate the potential of this system as a durable and scalable platform for industrial wastewater remediation.
