Work

Mechanical Performance and Dye Adsorption of Lignin/Poly(ethylene glycol) Diglycidyl Ether/Sorbitol Polyglycidyl Ether Hydrogels

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: A bisphenol-A-free lignin hydrogel platform with programmable network density is reported. Lignin was crosslinked with poly(ethylene glycol) diglycidyl ether (PEGDGE) and sorbitol polyglycidyl ether (SPE) via epoxide ring-opening to generate hydrogel networks spanning eleven PEGDGE/SPE ratios. A single compositional lever—the SPE fraction—allowed the predictable densification of the network, translating into a monotonic shift in swelling and viscoelastic/mechanical responses. Importantly, the well-performing hydrogel (LS1P9) coupled swelling ratio with adsorption functionality, removing 72% methylene blue from water under the tested conditions. This work positions lignin as more than a passive filler: it serves as an active phenolic macromonomer for designing sustainable, multifunctional hydrogels.

Source: Polymers

DOI: 10.3390/polym18040489

Authors: Yiming Wang, Hailing Liu, Yu-Peng He, Guoqing Guan

Institutions: Liaoning Shihua University, Dalian University of Technology, State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Hirosaki University

Language: English

Topic: Lignin and Wood Chemistry

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,258