Insights on the use of biobased hydrogels in electrochemical water treatment

Abstract

From the environmental perspective, it is essential to develop eco-friendly materials for water and wastewater treatment that can be integrated into the most effective technologies till now employed in this field. In this regard, biobased hydrogels (BBHs) represent a simple and free from harmful by-products solution to mitigate global water pollution. BBHs are natural polymers very interesting for their availability, price competi- tiveness, excellent biodegradability, biocompatibility, hydrophi- licity, and superior physicochemical performance in water treatment. This review outlines the recent progress in devel- oping and applying BBHs hydrogels in electrochemical water treatments, from advanced oxidation processes to microbial fuel cells, capacitive deionization, and the most innovative technologies based on the cogeneration of clean water and electricity. In addition, this review covers the BBH’s current limitations, such as low mechanical performance and poor stability, and provides valuable insights into the efficient ap- plications of BBHs in the electrochemical treatments of water purification.