Removal of hazardous dyes, toxic metal ions and organic pollutants from wastewater by using porous hyper-cross-linked polymeric materials: A review of recent advances

Water quality plays a central role in the well-being of all the living organisms on planet Earth. The everincreasing human population and consequently increasing industrialization, urbanization, and chemically boosted cultivation are rapidly contaminating already stressed water resources. The availability of clean drinking water has become scarce for masses across the globe, and this situation is becoming alarming in developing countries. Therefore, the immediate need for cost-effective, easily accessible, eco-friendly, portable, thermally efficient, and chemically stable technologies and materials is desperately felt to meet the high global demand for clean water. To search for effective materials for wastewater treatment, the hyper-cross-linked porous polymers (HCPs) have emerged as an excellent class of porous materials for wastewater treatment due to their unique features of high surface area, tunability, biodegradability, and chemical versatility. This review describes the advances in fabrication strategies and the efficient utilization of hyper-cross-linked porous polymers for wastewater treatment. Moreover, this review specifically discusses the hyper-cross-linked porous polymers effectiveness for the separation of the dyes, nutrients, inorganic ions, organic contaminants, and toxic metals ions. Finally, the review provides insight into the challenges and prospects in the area of hyper-cross-linked porous polymers. Overall, the hyper-cross-linked porous polymers with empowering proper functionalization can provide an opportunity for the wastewater treatment not only to remove toxic contaminants but also to make contaminated water useful for various applications.

Automated summary

Water quality is crucial for the well-being of living organisms on Earth, but increasing human population and industrialization are rapidly contaminating water resources. Clean drinking water is becoming scarce globally, especially in developing countries. Therefore, there is an urgent need for cost-effective, accessible, and eco-friendly technologies to meet the high demand for clean water.